Priscilla Scanlan, an Independent Living Specialist with SOURCES, shares her story of "Why I Sign." #whyisign. My name’s Priscilla Scanlan. I grew up oral, and was mainstreamed in oral programs. My parents did not allow me to sign. My mom said that signing was for animals. Signing was for the lowest of the low. My mom told me that she wanted me to be “advanced”, and learn how to speak just like a hearing person. I said, “Ok.” I tried my best and barely survived high school. I graduated and then went to college. It did not work out because the classes were big, and I had to sit at the front to try to lipread the teachers. I flunked out of college. Mom then told me that she guess I would have to go to work, and find a job. Fortunately, a vocational rehabilitation counselor called my parents, and told them that I could go to Gallaudet University. The counselor explained to my parents that it was a college for deaf and hard of hearing students, but they were kept separately (she fibbed so my parents would allow me to go). Before Gallaudet, I did not know who I was. I grew up thinking I was the only deaf person. The day I arrived Gallaudet, I realized I was not the only deaf person. I was stunned to see many deaf people from Arkansas who went to the deaf school (I was born in Arkansas). So I decided to take ASL classes. Ever since, I have been signing. I sign because it is my identity & my life. I am deaf. That’s why I sign. #askmewhyisign

NeCol Whitehead shares information on how to participate virtually in Peer Support sessions with SOURCES for Community Independent Living on Mondays at 1 p.m. To learn more, or get the virtual meeting link, contact NeCol by email at nwhitehead@arsources.org, or by phone or text at 479-802-3903. And visit the website at www.ARSources.org for resources and helpful information.

Priscilla Scanlan and NeCol Whitehead share information on the October meeting of the Deaf Club and how to participate virtually in American Sign Language (ASL) classes with SOURCES for Community Independent Living. The Deaf Club will meet virtually on Oct. 10, 2020 from 4- p.m. and members are encouraged to wear Halloween masks and share memories of Halloween. A voice interpreter will participate, and those learning ASL are encouraged to join. ASL classes are held as follows: - Beginner with NeCol on Mondays at 4:30 p.m. - Intermediate with Priscilla on Mondays at 10 a.m. - Advanced with Priscilla on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. To learn more or get the virtual meeting links, contact NeCol by email at nwhitehead@arsources.org, or by phone or text at 479-802-3903. And visit the website at www.ARSources.org for resources and helpful information.