Were you on Main Street in Concord on Wednesday near the entrance to the State House grounds?
If so, you undoubtedly noticed the 50 or so persons (many wearing neon green or yellow shirts) walking and waving hand-lettered signs. They were members and supporters of the New Hampshire Association for the Deaf, conducting a very subdued and respectful rally to encourage citizens to be aware of the needs and concerns of our hearing- and speech-impaired neighbors.
While greatly pleased with medical and other hearing improvements for the deaf, these folks are especially concerned that the teaching and learning of American Sign Language – the main communication means for hearing-handicapped persons – is being neglected.
They fear the knowledge and use of signing will be further diminished, leaving many hearing- and speech-impaired persons coping with the loss of their primary means of communicating with you and me.
These concerns merit the attention and consideration of all of us. Perhaps you, too, might learn ASL – to help the deaf cope with the daily challenges of being employed, shopping, doing business and all other aspects of everyday life.
WILLIAM A. GRANT
Concord