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Speaking with signs at Patterson
Ron Jackson, Staff Writer, rjackson@newstopic.net When people think of languages, English, Spanish and French are usually a few of the first that come to mind. What many may not realize is that speaking a different language can be done without even uttering a single word. The Patterson School has expanded its academic offerings this year with the addition of sign language. Sign Language Instructor Sharon Barnette just joined the staff at The Patterson School in August. She said this year is the first time to her knowledge that Patterson School has offered a sign language course to students. She also said she knows of no other schools in the county that offer sign language study in a classroom format. ”I'm excited we have it here,“ Barnette said. ”I get the opportunity to be the pioneer of the program at Patterson. I love it. I think it is a beautiful language. I like the fact that I am able to communicate with deaf people. I'm glad I'm able to bridge the gap between hearing and deaf people. It is so rewarding.“ Barnette teaches two classes that total 28 students. She said there currently are not any deaf students at Patterson, but she hopes to change that and have deaf students attend the school. Barnette has prior experience teaching sign language and working with the deaf while she resided in Texas. She said her previous experience includes work in public schools as an interpreter as well as working with students at the Texas School for the Deaf. She said she always had an interest in sign language, but she did not pursue it until she desired a career change. Barnette said she learned a lot about people who are either deaf or hearing impaired while learning the language. She said many people view the inability to hear as a disability when it is not a disability at all. ”I don't look at it as a disability. I just see them as a group of people that cannot hear,“ Barnette said. ”Deaf people are very proud people and do not consider themselves disabled.“ Learning sign language does not simply end in the classroom at Patterson. Barnette said that her students practice signing outside of class and teach there dormmates who are not in the class how to sign too. She said seeing students signing during breakfast and lunch or in between classes excites her and brings her joy. She predicts that by January the entire campus will be signing. Barnette not only wants to teach students how to sign but wants to clear up any stereotypes and misconceptions people may have toward the deaf. ”The most important thing people should realize is that they are not foreign objects,“ Barnette said. ”They are normal people. Take the time to get to know them. There was a time when the deaf were sheltered, and they did not feel like they were a part of the community, but that is no longer the case. Don't be afraid to approach them and take the time to communicate with them.“ Barnette also clarified that the language is not hard to learn as long as there is a will to try. She said that teaching early is a good thing and it will not impede a child's speech development. ”It will not stop the child from speaking,“ Barnette said. ”I think it will help the child be able to communicate with parents a lot sooner.“ Barnette added that she feels that sign language should be offered in all of the county's public schools. She said she would like to offer evening sign language classes that would be open to students as well as any adults in the community interested in learning the language. ”I just want the community to know that I am here and that sign language is a passion of mine. I am so excited to be here at Patterson School,“ said Barnette.
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