Life in a silent world comes alive

Manny Everett
Times Contributor

 

Strathmore’s Marigold Library is continuing to offer a second round of Sign Language classes.
Dee-Ann Wagner-Mercer is teaching two groupings of the sign language classes on Thursdays this fall, a children’s class from 4-5 p.m. and adults from 7-8:30 p.m. No experience necessary and all skills levels are welcome to attend. The free program was so successful this past spring that the Library has had an overwhelming response to the adult class with over 35 adult registrants.
Wagner-Mercer is using ASL (American Sign Language), which is the language of most deaf Canadians. ASL is a visual language made up of specific signs, finger-spelling as well as the use of facial expressions. As with all languages ASL has its own rules for grammar and sentence structure.
“When I started helping in my daughter’s school back when she first started playschool, I said to many people ‘one day I’m gonna have half this town signing.’
“It is a huge dream of mine to live in a community where it is not so isolating,” said Wagner-Mercer. “I don’t get into the classroom as much anymore, and it has been great to have a place like the library to have people interested in ASL to get together. “I want to give back to my community and also set an example to my daughter. It’s super easy as a late deaf person to sit out as life goes by, I refuse to let my daughter watch me do that, so stepping out of my comfort zone and getting out there in the community. I have been very overwhelmed by the support and kindness of everyone.”
In the children’s class, Wagner-Mercer utilizes games like crossword puzzles and coloring with the kids in order to enhance memorization of the hand gestures. Daughter, Kayla–Ann Mercer helps her Mom with the younger participants.
“Kayla-Ann is in Grade 6 this year at Westmount,” said Wagner-Mercer. “She has always been happy to share with anyone wanting to learn ASL, as I am. She has ran small little sign groups at recess among her friends in the past.”
The classes will be running until Dec. 17 and the library will be offering it again in the spring of 2016 as long as there is interest in the community.
For more information, please contact the Strathmore Library at 403-934-5440.