SignSational Kids!

2-28-08

It’s a common concern among new parents — toddlers who fall behind their peers in language and communication skills.

Often it’s because of developmental disabilities like autism or speech impediments. Julie Weaver, a speech-language pathologist, and Amanda McFarland, a developmental specialist, think they have the answer to overcome such obstacles.

Sign language.

“A lot of people think it’s only for deaf people,” Weaver said. “That’s a popular misconception.”

In fact, sign language is one of the easiest forms of communication for those with disabilities.

“And it’s just a ball to learn for everyone else,” McFarland said.

It’s also a lot more common than many might think. Weaver and McFarland say sign language is the third-most used language in the country. Now their goal is to teach even more. They’re contracted by the state to teach signing in Marion County libraries and Indianapolis parks. Weaver and McFarland, who work under the banner Signsational Kids, are expanding their reach into Hendricks County.

Classes start in May through the Brownsburg and Plainfield parks departments, and June 5 through Avon’s parks. The program also begins in March at the Earth Discovery Center in Eagle Creek Park. Costs will be in line with other parks programs.

Their plan is to teach children from birth to 6 years old.

“It’s a lot of fun to learn a second language,” McFarland said. “The language window in the brain is optimal to age 6. At that time, you can learn three languages simultaneously without taking away from any of them.”

But most importantly, Signsational Kids promotes words in children having trouble learning them, and helps alleviate their frustration in attempting to communicate.

“These classes are for kids with all abilities, but we want to reach out to those with developmental disabilities,” McFarland said. “We want them to come to our classes and not feel excluded. We get parents all the time who say they can’t take their kids somewhere because of autism or something else.”

Weaver added, “A lot of kids with disabilities are not exposed to the same world as kids with normal abilities. We want to give them the same opportunity.”

Given that birth to age 3 is the most important time for development, Signsational Kids was created to get children where they need to be learning-wise, and hopefully prevent a lifetime of problems.

“The biggest mistake parents make is when they say about their child, ‘He’ll learn when he’s ready,’” Weaver said. “Once a child is delayed, he’ll always be delayed unless he gets help.”

Working together for years now, Weaver and McFarland have seen the fruits of their labors. One toddler with a genetic chromosomal disorder couldn’t even talk. Communication with her parents was so frustrating she would scream and sometimes hold her breath until she fainted. She’s now able to sign complete sentences. After learning sign language, a 2-year-old with Down’s syndrome now signs to her mother what she wants to say to her father, who’s serving in Iraq.

Terry Weaver, who runs a daycare out of her Plainfield home, baby-sits children who have learned sign language.

“It’s quite fascinating to see their little brains at work,” she said. “They’re like little sponges, soaking it all in.”

Julie Weaver added, “Words follow signs. These children’s needs can be met through sign language.”

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Online:

www.signsationalkids.com



wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com