Primary school pupils learn sign language to communicate with their school canteen server (+VIDEO)

Today's world does not seem very convenient or friendly to those with physical or cognitive disabilities. Although there is a move to promote inclusiveness in all its forms, it is often difficult for those with disabilities to keep up with others. The story we are about to tell you is about how an elementary school took steps to teach the students sign language. The proposal got traction because the lady in the canteen who serves breakfasts and lunches to the young students, is deaf and dumb and unable to communicate with the children. For this reason, the pupils started learning sign language.

via Facebook / Nansemond Parkway Elementary School

At a school in Suffolk, Virginia (USA), an attempt was made to to teach pupils something extra that could also be socially very useful. Fourth graders have started learning sign language so they can communicate with Mrs. Leisa Duckwell, the deaf-mute canteen worker who serves the pupils every day. Over the course of four years of service, none of the pupils knew how to communicate with Mrs Duckwell or even how to say a simple "hello" or "good morning" to her. Communication is the foundation for good social relationships, so it is understandable why the pupils made this effort.

For this reason, the whole school, starting with the forth graders, embarked on learning sign language. The goal is to be able to communicate effectively with Mrs Duckwell. The initiative was launched by a teacher, Mrs. Kari Maskelony, who has first-hand knowledge of dealing with those with hearing loss. Mrs Maskelony knows how to speak sign language and understands the frustration of those who cannot communicate effectively. For this reason, Mrs Maskelony decided to teach her pupils sign language.

Her students responded so well to the initiative that the school principal, Janet Wright-Davis, decided to extend sign language classes to other classes at the school as well. Ms Duckwell stated: 'Not only is it great for children because they can learn something new and gain a valuable skill, but I think it's great because inclusiveness and equality of access is really important."

We hope that this initiative will also raise awareness amongst others and more projects like this will be launched.