Not being able to hear has got to be incredibly difficult, no doubt. We rely on our hearing for so many things. From socialization with loved ones to staying safer while crossing the street, to listening to verbal instructions in school, we have a lot to be thankful for if we have at least some capacity of hearing.
The residents of Islington Road in Newton, Massachusetts, may not all understand first-hand what it’s like to have a hearing deficit, but they do know that two-year-old resident, Samantha Savitz, was born deaf. Little Samantha uses American Sign Language (ASL) as her way of communicating, and she’s quite the social butterfly. However, very few people around her are also fluent.
“She’s super engaging. She wants to chat-up with anybody…her whole personality changes when it’s someone who can communicate with her,” Samantha’s mother, Glenda, explained.
Not only does others’ inability to sign back to her make her feel frustrated, but socializing with others is integral for young children like herself, and she’s not getting the full experience like other children her age. But the more the toddler is able to communicate efficiently with others, the more she’ll improve her understanding of American Sign Language.
Samantha’s neighbors admit that they don’t exactly know how to respond.
“I didn’t know what to say back. Wouldn’t you like to talk to her?” one neighbor asked.
“Basic conversation that one would have with a child,” another said.
“Asking her about her day,” a third person said.
“And make her feel that she is part of the neighborhood,” said yet another neighbor.
“Just be her friend,” a fourth said.
But it’s easier said than done. When there’s a communication barrier, it can negatively impact how two people are able to communicate. And there may be many misunderstandings involved.
Fortunately, there was a clear solution. Seeing how sad Samantha was knowing that she can’t communicate with others, the neighbors decided to learn American Sign Language for her! The residents of her neighborhood all joined an ASL class taught by Teacher Rhys McGovern.
The teacher was touched to learn that the neighbors were learning the language for the little girl. He explained how many deaf children’s parents won’t even learn the language.
“But here Sam has a full community that’s signing and communicating with her and her family, and it is a beautiful story,” he said.
Samantha’s mother and her fellow neighbors also find the act beautiful.
“I think your heart would melt just as mine did,” said one neighbor.
Now that’s a neighborhood I want to be in, somewhere I feel included and appreciated! Learn more about this story down below.
