Family Sign Language Mentor Program
Coordinator - Tami Trowell
802-258-9502 (V/TTY)
Email: ttrowell@vcdhh.org
Learning sign language can be very challenging for families and staff who work with children who use sign language to communicate. The Vermont Center’s Family Sign Language Mentor Program was developed to meet this unique need.
Sign language mentors can provide individualized sign language instruction either in the family’s home, in day care or pre-school settings or in the classroom. Mentoring services are incorporated into the child’s individual service or educational plan (IFSP or IEP) to support the child’s communication success within the family, with peers and with staff.
If the child is Deaf, a Deaf mentor can be provided. The Deaf mentor teaches sign language and also serves as a valuable role model and connection to the Deaf community, allowing the family to better understand what it means to be Deaf.
Six week sign language classes are also offered in local communities throughout the state. These classes are designed to be “user friendly” and provide basic sign language vocabulary to meet the needs of families, therapists, daycare providers, and educators.
Staff sign language training can also be provided: in-service workshops, six week classes or on-going classes throughout the school year.
For more information about the Family Mentor Program, please call (802) 258-9502 (v/tty).