ObesityHelp

Howdy!! I am Deaf woman who had VSG surgery in 2008. I lost 160 lbs. I am having a hard time to attend support group becuase they will not provide me ASL interpreter due unburden cost.

So, I'm volunteering at an orphanage in the Philippines and apparently one of the kids is deaf. He's 8 yrs old and knows very little sign language. I bought him a book, but it teaches American sign. Would that be applicable? If not, how do I find out what dialect of sign language he should be learning? Any other options for helping him learn? Thanks!!! your help is very appreciated!

On the question of support group leader...I was trained by OH to start my own support group locally. I am waiting for this semester to end and then I will start up my own group. I already have about 4 people interested. Take care! Kelli

Kelli, I get the digest for the ASL Board and I see YOU!!! Hi!!! What a nice surprise to see that we also have this in common too. I LOVE ASL!! When I lived in California I took three ASL classes at the local community college and an extended education course. Unfortunately, was a few years ago. Now that I've moved, I'd love to get back into it. I've been interested in ASL since I was a little girl. I enjoy doing it as a hobby but love it! Do your instructors recommend any books, dvd's or other training educational materials? I'd love to get back into it. Any websites or information that you've found, please let me know. I look forward to getting to know you even better now with our Leader and ASL connections!! Cathy ObesityHelp Support Group Specialist

Hi Kim, I am taking ASL at my university, so perhaps you and I can help each other out. I have the book Learning American Sign Language by Humphries and Padden, it's okay but I would suggest just buying a book that has a dvd along with it, so you can see the signs. Go to google and put in ASL brower, one will come from Michigan State University which is a great site another one you might try is aslpro.com, I use this one when the other site doesn't have a word I need to practice on. I am hoping to get certified in sign language since my field of work is psychology and I want to apply for a job in San Diego that needs ASL interpreters. I am taking the first class now, and luckily for me the instructors, a brother (deaf) and sister team is willing to work with me in the summer time so I don't lose what I learned in class, until I attend their next course in the fall. I really love learning ASL, it's one language that I am mastering without any real problems and besides the brother who teaches the course is FINE!!!!! Anywho, I hope those sites help you out, please feel free to contact me, do you know someone who is deaf or is this something you need for employment or is it a hobby??? Good Luck Kelli Obesity Help Support Group Leader

Wow, that's odd, I don't remember this board being here?! I am an ASL student at UMHB in Belton, TX... hope to use ASL in my classroom when I get my teaching certificate.... Best wishes to all! Raven

I was an MSS (morphemic sign system) interpreter in high school. It's obviously not the most popular sign language out there. I don't see an MSS board. Good to see other signers here though!

Hi one way to learn is college course ASL1,2,3,4. You can get them cheap if you don't want the college credit. If you want to practice what you have learned most deaf communities have deaf clubs or group meetings that are open to the public so people like you can practice, probably should look up or call the college interpreting instructor and ask them to direct you locally or a deaf advocacy group. Good luck I learned sign as a child and have used it every since, in my church and teaching it at recreation centers.

With Meniere's slowly destroying my hearing, I started learning ASL at the advice of some of my Deaf friends. Suddenly, my hearing took a huge drop and my ENT found out I have Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease. So, medicated to get rid of my immune system, I have had a slight improvement in my hearing and no more constant inner ear pain, just occasional. I continue to study ASL and now volunteer as a nurse advocate for the Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. anyone else having similar experiences? Rusty

Thanks for the reply. I've found my experience with MMPC and bariatric surgery to be very rewarding. I was impressed with their lack of argument. Sometimes I have doctors who say they don't need to hire an interpreter (which, of course, they do by law), but not this place. They've had an ASL interpreter at every appointment and, luckily, it's been the same one every time. I would never bring my own interpreter. Never! That's their job. I know some might do that, but not me. My surgery is scheduled for December 13th! I'm very excited!!