"As the older child of two deaf parents, I had to take on a lot of responsibility at a young age. I was signing my first words by the time I was six months old and making business calls for my parents when I was only five. This was before the advent of a lot of assistive technology and before security was so tight. I'd explain the situation to the person on the other end of the line, and they would deal with me. Banking, credit card companies, everything. My parents depended on me a lot, especially my mother. Even though both my parents could read, American Sign Language is an entirely different way of communicating, so when they got mail, for instance, I interpreted and simplified the wording for them so they could understand. When we went out to eat, I did the ordering. I did whatever needed to be done.
"I see how my parents have struggled financially because of the limited job opportunities for deaf persons in Memphis, and I know they want me to do better for myself. That's been very motivating for me as I've gone through school. I'm an elementary school teacher now and will be completing an Ed.D in Special Education in May. I want to use my education and experience to help families of children with special needs. I believe this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Our class did a service day at Shrine School when I was in high school, and I fell in love with it. I've always been drawn to kids with special needs. It seems that everything in my life has been shaping me to go down this path."
"I see how my parents have struggled financially because of the limited job opportunities for deaf persons in Memphis, and I know they want me to do better for myself. That's been very motivating for me as I've gone through school. I'm an elementary school teacher now and will be completing an Ed.D in Special Education in May. I want to use my education and experience to help families of children with special needs. I believe this is what I'm supposed to be doing. Our class did a service day at Shrine School when I was in high school, and I fell in love with it. I've always been drawn to kids with special needs. It seems that everything in my life has been shaping me to go down this path."
Luanne Sailors' website, http://ourspecialnetwork.com, provides resources and support for people with special needs. She offers K-6 General Education tutoring, K-12 Special Education tutoring, and consulting services for families of children and adults with special needs. She may be contacted through her website, http://ourspecialnetwork.com or on FB at http://www.facebook.com/ourspecialnetwork
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