Achi news desk-
In a small modest room, a unique group gathers once a week, united by a common goal: to learn to communicate beyond the limits of sound.
Eileen Levie, a communications and relations advocate, leads the group. He shares his insight on the challenges and rewards of learning American Sign Language (ASL).
“I know people can be a bit awkward with deaf people and they want to write back and forth when I tell them I’m deaf,” explains Levie.
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Levie moved to the Pineridge neighborhood in 2022 and quickly began sharing ASL with her neighbors. Her dedication to bridging communication gaps has had a significant impact.
“I think what I want people to know is that I really like teaching, and so this group is learning American Sign Language,” Levie said.
Her efforts caught the attention of City of Calgary Community Social Worker Megan Solamillo, who saw the potential for wider impact.
“She was signing to her neighbours, and she was very excited to be teaching them. So I asked her if she would be willing to educate the wider community, and she said yes, she would love to do that,” Solamillo recalls.
With the support of Alberta Deaf and Hear, Solamillo supported Levie in leading weekly lessons at the Village Square Recreation Center, teaching others the basics of ASL.
The free sessions have attracted a diverse group of participants from all over the world, including Pakistan and Afghanistan. Levie’s mission is clear: include everyone in the conversation.
The ASL workshops run every Tuesday until 25 June and will resume in the autumn.
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
