Sharing the Love of Sign Language: Love Letters by Emily

It was at the 2014 Assistive Technology Conference of New England that I met Emily and her mom Carolyn. I had seen the name of the vendor, Love Letters by Emily, come across the planning committee correspondences. I was intrigued to find out what they were. The products were photos and collections of photos of hands ASL signing letters; I had done something similar a few years ago with my son who is of typical hearing abilities, so I already loved the idea. But when I read the story and met the family, it just made my heart sing. Love Letters by Emily is a labor of love, family and dedication.

I had the chance to connect with Carolyn Maxwell and talk a little bit about the business, being a parent of child with special needs, and the role of assistive technology in Emily's life. 

Emily was born with developmental delays and hearing impairment. She attended the Rhode Island School for the Deaf during which she received extensive educational and therapy services to support her growth and communication. But when she had completed her role as student and was transitioning to a new role productive working citizen, mom Carolyn wanted Emily to be engaged in something she loved to do, shop and sign.

Photographing Emily's hands is a beautiful way to share her knowledge and experiences. But the ETSY shop isn't just a portfolio of her hands. There are many tasking in running the business that Emily partakes. She shops for the frames and materials, goes to the post office, addresses notes and envelopes, and visits local shops to restock inventory. It isn't just a picture, it is a purpose.

I asked mom about technology's role in Emily's life. She candidly shared a story about her experience.

"I have always been conflicted about using AAC apps - not embraced by the Deaf culture ~ one of my more memorable personal Facebook postings happened after a loooong conversation in sign with Emily at the grocery check-out observed by a Job Coach working with the bagger who asked, "Have you thought about getting her a Voice Box, I think she'd do well!" My thoughts were, she is communicating well, the rest of the world just needs to learn sign language!"

Emily has had experience with ProLoQuo2GO (available on iTunes for $219.00) in the school setting; but when she graduated, she had to return the iPad that was loaded with all the personal information. And community outings with the app are frustrating because the recipients of the speech output either can't hear it or just are surprised by its use. So for Emily (for now) low tech picture cards are a more efficient way for getting others who don't know sign to know what she is thinking.

However, the iPad and computer is a great leisure tool for Emily. She enjoys watching YouTube, looking through her photo library and cruising Facebook. It inspires socialization. The have used Stories2Learn (available on iTunes for $13.99) to join text with photos to write social stories.

I know that this is one of many stories across the world that touch upon so many barriers to living life to its fullest. From navigating doctor's visits to school system conflicts to developing meaningful vocation. But take it from Emily and Carolyn: don't be discouraged, be inspired.

Visit their shop, Love Letters by Emily on ETSY or follow them on social media via twitter @LoveLettersByEM or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LoveLettersbyEmily.

"♥ Love Letters by Emily ♥ was inspired by a Valentine’s Day gift from our daughter’s Teacher of the Deaf who photographed her hand fingerspelling L-O-V-E with American Sign Language letter handshapes. It’s one of the sweetest and most thoughtful gifts from the heart we’ve ever received, and it’s a gift of love that we wanted to share. One idea led to another ~ and another . . . and our Etsy shop was born!"

Inside the Book with My Big Brother Bobby author Rebecca Dauer

In December of 2013, My Big Brother Bobby was self published and released by new author, Rebecca Dauer , illustrated by AnnieZimanski.  I have known Rebecca since I was little, so I was eager to get a hand on a copy of her first children’s book.

My Big Brother Bobby isn’t your typical children’s book.  It is more like a communication bridge between parents, social workers, OTs, psychologists and children who are dealing with emotional issues within the home, specifically those living with siblings with angry outbursts.

After reading the story, sharing it with my children, watching and listening to their responses, I reached out to Rebecca to see if she would participate in a little Q and A session. 

OTMommy: When I read this story to my youngest son, he really related to the main character, the little girl.  My eldest related to Bobby, with embarrassment. The story hits close to home.  What was the inspiration of this story?

R.D: I had the idea to write a book since I was a little girl but never knew how to go about writing it. My inspiration was from the countless stories from friends and family who told me about a sibling, an uncle, or a mother with stories of a "monster". I searched for children's books on this topic and couldn't find any. I felt morally responsible to give siblings going through tough times a voice.

A few months ago, I was sitting on the subway on my way to work and the idea hit me and I started writing.  My goal is to help children that are so often unheard. My Big Brother Bobby provides an outlet for siblings to be heard and understood as well as for the parents to have a better understanding as to how their children might interpret experiences differently.

The book also provides a different perspective to the family member with the outburst. As a child you see, feel, and interpret emotions differently. It's important to see the experience from each child's point of view. The first person narrative provides perspective on what the child might go through during these times. As embarrassing as it might be to the child with the outburst, it is important for growth and understanding. The story came from the heart and I hope it is apparent throughout the book.

OTMommy: How did your family and friends feel about you writing this?

R.D.: My friends were extremely supportive and helped me every step of the way. The book wouldn't have been as great if it wasn't for them. I have a few friends and family members in the field who were able to give me advice on wording and calm down plan. There were a few people that were reluctant at first. But once I showed them the book, they were supportive and knew that I could help a lot of people with it.

OTMommy: I noticed this story is done in the first person.  What was the reason behind not naming the little girl?

R.D.: I wanted to let the reader be able to identify with the character and I felt that not naming her would give more power to the story.

OTMommy: I really love the bonus features that give children and adults a way to bridge a communication gap.  It was very emotional listening to my children answer them honestly.  What made you put in the discussion questions, calm down plan and the identifying feelings pages?

R.D.: My good friend, Jennifer Zimmer works with children with autism.  After she read the manuscript she suggested adding the calm down plan. It is a great addition to the book.

I added the identifying feelings and questions at the end of the book to help identify feelings and open up conversation to parents to what their kids might be holding in. If you provide the examples for children, they are more inclined to show and explain how they feel.

OTMommy: What do you hope others to gain from this book?

R.D.: I hope to reach as many children as possible. Send copies to schools, hospitals, and programs across the US. My hope is for children to relate to the characters and know that they are not alone and there are resources available to them. I hope this book provides an outlet for conversation and understanding for all parties involved (as tough as it might be).

OTMommy: Have you considered writing any more books?

R.D.: It was a lot of fun, start to finish. I enjoyed learning the process and working with so many talented people. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Amy Betz, the Editor and Annie Zimanski who's beautifully warm illustrations brought my words to life. I would definitely consider writing another book in the future.

My Big Brother Bobby is a wonderful resource for parents and those working with children to help kids communicate their feelings about being around someone with a “monster in their belly”.  It is available through Amazon for $8.99.  You can also visit http://www.mybigbrotherbobby.com to discover more about the author, Rebecca Dauer.