Learning the signs: SADI sign language classes help the hearing impaired

Megan Goncher describes some days in her life as a dream where she can see everything going on around her, but she cannot hear or communicate with anyone.

This scenario is what Goncher, a 26-year-old Cape Girardeau resident, said it is like to live the life of a deaf individual.

"Deaf people are very visual; they are great observers," she said. "My instincts are so strong. ... It's amazing how when one sense is taken away, how all of your other senses make up for that."

Goncher's hearing loss stems from a virus her mother contracted while pregnant with her. Though she has received numerous surgeries to improve her hearing throughout the years, Goncher said her hearing continued to fluctuate from faint to even nonexistent at times. She said it was frustrating for her when, even at family dinners, she would have no idea what was going on. She felt as though she was split between two worlds.

Finally, Goncher decided to take action after her grandmother brought her pamphlets regarding the American Sign Language classes provided by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence Inc. After meeting with the director of the program, Goncher said it opened her eyes and introduced her to the deaf culture.

Jan Rigdon, sitting with granddaughter Nicolette Knoderer, practices sign language in a class with her daughter, Megan Goncher, and Megan's father, David Goncher, at SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence in Cape Girardeau. Megan's sister, Jenny Knoderer, is standing with her son, Will. (Fred Lynch)

"It was so enlightening," she said. "It was a 'wow' moment."

Goncher's family attends the beginning ASL class. She said their support is overwhelming to her.

"This whole situation has just brought my family closer," she said. "The sign language class not only teaches the language, but it's teaching my family about the other half of my life."

Jessica Lagona, staff interpreter with SADI, said individuals should take advantage of these classes whether they are hearing capable or impaired.

"It's just another way of communicating," she said. "The more people who know how to sign, it opens up their world to other folks."

Dean Percival, a 75-year-old student in the beginning ASL class, said he and his wife are taking the class in order to prepare themselves for possible situations in the future when communication could be crucial.

"If we have a stroke or get paralyzed and can't talk, we'll still be able to communicate," he said.

Percival began learning Signed English when he was around 12 years old and made it almost completely through the dictionary. He said the new method of ASL is different from Signed English, and he has had to relearn many of the changed signs.

"I think most people catch on to it real quick, and it's a lot of fun to learn," he said. "You can always take a pencil and write things, but I think it's handy to use sign language."

The beginning ASL class started Jan. 19 and students have already learned the alphabet and family titles such as mother, father and grandmother.

Goncher said she looks forward to learning the numbers through 20. She also wishes to build more relationships with the students in the class and members of SADI as the class progresses and wants to get more involved with volunteering in the program.

Educating oneself with ASL is something Goncher said all individuals should consider.

"Sign language is very instrumental in all aspects of life," she said. "It's a great, inexpensive way for families to spend time together and educate themselves on a whole other culture in life that people go through."

SADI offers a beginning ASL class from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays and an advanced ASL class from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. The classes run for six weeks with a two- to three-week break and then continue with another six weeks. The costs of the classes are $40 for both six-week terms.

People can register now for the second six-week session that begins in April. Lagona said to keep an eye on the sadi.org website for the exact dates.

For more information, contact Maria Bunster at 651-6464 or mbunster@sadi.org.