September 2017
International Week of the Deaf (September 18-24)
The International Week of the Deaf is held on the last week of September. Throughout the nation, this event is commemorated through various activities (marches, debates, campaigns, exhibitions, and meetings). To learn how West Virginia is celebrating Deaf Awareness Week, visit WV Hands & Voices.
Featured Resources
All featured resources are available to borrow from the DRL To browse more resources, click here.
Professional Resources
The Joy of Signing
by Lottie Riekehof
The "Joy of Signing" is one of the most comprehensive guides available for mastering the current basic signs used to communicate with deaf people in either the word order of the English language or in the American Sign Language pattern. It provides the basic vocabulary needed for persons entering interpreter training programs. Families and professionals communicating with deaf children and adults will appreciate this manual's conceptually based vocabulary.
Signing Time Preschool & Child Care Program Curriculum Kit by Signing Academy
When children's hands are moving, their minds are learning! Signing benefits children of all ages and abilities. In this Hands-on learning and fun kit we have: 1) Teacher's Guide; 2) Baby Signing Time DVDs; 3) Baby Signing Time Music CDs; 4) Resource CD; and 5) Sign Reference poster. This kit is a wonderful educational tool to enlighten young children.
Parent Resource
Choices in Deafness: A Parent's Guide to Communication Options
Edited by Sue Schwartz, Ph.D.
For more than 20 years, Choices in Deafness: A Parent's Guide to Communication Options has been the leading guide to communication options for parents of children with deafness and hearing loss. This book is now in an extensively revised and expanded third edition. It provides parents with the comprehensive scope of information they need. From assessment and diagnosis to medical and audiological treatment, from the latest types of cochlear implants to education and technology devices, this new edition presents a balance of research, guidance, and insight from experts and families.
Young Adult Resource
El Deafo - A graphic novel
By Cece Bell
Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir entitled "El Deafo", author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid. Cece really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All."And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.
Child Resource
Understanding Differences "Some Kids" Set
by Lola Schaefer
This book set has 4 individual books."Some Kids Use Wheelchairs," "Some Kids Are Deaf," "Some Kids Have Autism," and "Some Kids Wear Leg Braces."
The "Understanding Differences Set" supports national social studies standards related to individual development and identity. These books describe and illustrate the special needs of children who use wheelchairs, wear leg braces and have autism. The books tell about the different activities that the children can enjoy. They each include a glossary of terms and other resources about various internet sites that you can visit for more information.
Navigation Tips
Parents and Teachers are a Team
It is important that parents, teachers and students work together as a team. Here are a few suggestions to help parents become an active member of the team and set up a successful school year for their school-age child.
- Pay close attention to weekly folders and communications that come from school
- Read frequently with your child and encourage nonfiction as well as fiction
- Review their homework to ensure that it's complete and correct
- Talk to school personnel if you need additional resources or if you think your child needs more help
Visit the WV Department of Education website to learn more about the things your child is learning this school year. (Content Standards & Objectives – CSO)
A Child's Champion
Meet Linda Neathery, a true child's champion. In her position as the librarian at the Morgantown Disability Resource Library, she assists individuals and their families in finding resources and information. Linda greets every visitor to the WVU Center For Excellence in Disabilities with a warm smile and invites them to browse in her Disability Resource Library. Many families will recognize her from the years she worked in CED Clinics and other CED programs. On a typical day, Linda will answer questions about accessing services, box up adapted toys & books for mailing out on loan, and guide visitors in making selections from the resources available on the library shelves. Linda is certified by the National Alliance Children's Trust & Prevention Fund in the Protective Factors Framework and believes that all children deserve to be healthy and safe. Her motto is, "With love and hard work, there is hope for the future." Linda Neathery is a child's champion.
To contact Linda, or the Parent Network Specialist in your area, call the Disability Resource Library for more information.
Paths for Parents Program
Navigating systems as a parent or caregiver of a child with disabilities can be confusing and overwhelming. The Paths for Parents program provides information and support through three unique services in effort to empower parents in becoming real partners within the medical home.Services in this program include: The Disability Resource Library, Parent Network Specialists, and Nutrition Services. To learn more, visit www.cedwvu.org.
The Disability Resource Library (DRL) provides educational information and resource materials to individuals with disabilities, family members, and practitioners throughout the state of West Virginia.Resources available to loan include:
- Fiction and Non-fiction Books (children, adolescent and adult)
- Reference Materials
- DVDs
- Assistive technology devices & adapted toys
- Teaching and training curricula
- Demonstration kits and Medical models
- Disability Awareness Puppets
With two locations and knowledgeable staff, the Disability Resource Library is committed to supporting parents, educators, and the general public in finding appropriate, quality materials and services related to disability.The libraries are free of charge for the general public throughout the state and provide an online request and mail-out service.