Teaching a new way of singing

Times Reporter

 

Sunday school students at the Alliance Church showed off a new talent at their concert on Dec. 11. The students, using American Sign Language (ASL), signed the words to Silent Night while singing along. 

Dee-Ann Wagner-Mercer, whose daughter Kayla-Ann is in the children’s ministry, taught the children to sign the song.

Wagner-Mercer has Neurofibromatosis 2, NF2, and one part of her condition is that she is deaf. For her to have a chance to share her language with others is something she has always enjoyed. 

“I’m still learning myself and am not qualified to teach but has never stopped me from sharing ASL.  ASL is a second language and a fantastic skill to be interested in.  I believe schools should teach basic ASL to all to be honest.  Even before I was deaf I had thought this, you never know when it may come in handy,” said Wagner-Mercer.

“Exposing children to a new thing is always a plus, many wouldn’t have the chance otherwise. I’ve always wanted to share ASL since I went deaf. I’ve been struggling with finding a place to fit into and interact with people. Deafness has been difficult at most, and I feel very isolated. I used to be very social and miss and long for it.”  

Wagner-Mercer was not always deaf, and after spending many years as a hearing social person, to wake up one morning without her hearing has been tough. 

“Many people are afraid to approach me, because of my appearance and my obvious deafness. So bringing the chance for people to interact with me and see I’m not as scary as I look has helped me fit into the community some. I now feel I may just have a place in this hearing world after all, being late deaf in a hearing world can be a very lonely place,” said Wagner-Mercer.

“She’s been fantastic to work with. She could become a very big part of our church I think,” said Jenifer Miller, who leads the children’s music at the Alliance church. 

“It’s been a really wonderful experience with her and seeing how the kids interact with her, it’s amazing. I would love to see more people coming in who maybe can’t hear who would watch our concerts because the kids can do something for them that they couldn’t do before.”

The concert on the 11th was only the first as both Miller and Wagner-Mercer said they would like to pair up again. 

“It brought a lot of joy to my heart to help out, and show the children a new way to communicate. They all did such an amazing job, and every one of them touched my heart,” said Wagner-Mercer.