In a poignant show of solidarity with members of the deaf community who appeared before the Health Committee today, Assemblywoman Audra Strickland rose from the dais and signed much of her remarks on the bill that brought them there.
Strickland explained that her mother was a sign language interpreter and that her entire family learned to sign when she was growing up. She also noted that she has taught her two young children "many, many signs." Then, acknowledging her own limits, Strickland deferred to the professional interpreter on hand in the committee room as she completed her specific remarks on the bill.
The measure, whose fate remains unclear at this time, would expand the amount of information about communication options that is given to parents of newborns who are diagnosed with hearing impairments.
Timm, per Audra's Facebook page this is just the latest article you written about her efforts to support families with special needs children. And I thought this was your blog!
Audra Strickland: Read Timm Herdt's latest article about Mrs. Strickland's efforts to support families with special needs children.