Mission Statement: To satisfy the needs of the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Sign Language Interpreter Community, through effective: Communication, Programs and Initiatives. Read More
Mission Statement: To satisfy the needs of the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing and Sign Language Interpreter Community, through effective: Communication, Programs and Initiatives. Read More
Children and adults alike can now view popular children's books translated into American Sign Language (ASL) by online streaming video!
This new venue is what co-owner Keith Wann calls supporting Deaf literacy. "As someone who grew up bilingually with ASL and English and as someone who has children, I understand firsthand the crucial influence of bilingualism upon children, especially those who are Deaf," Wann says. "Yet not all of them have easy access to ASL-narrated stories. By combining modern video technology with ASL, we can provide on-demand ASL storytelling at no cost to them.
With a new book narrated every month, the current story being narrated until the end of March is Papa, Do You Love Me? To view the pre-taped stories, online. Wann points out that the narrators are doing this on a volunteer basis "because they want to help children make that connection between ASL and English, and be exposed to a diverse array of stories."
He adds, "With this new program, we're already making waves. A mother told me that she was thrilled to see this offering for her Deaf children, because she lives in a rural area where there are very few Deaf people and even fewer opportunities for her children to see native-level ASL."She says her children ask to watch the story over and over, because they're so excited to see someone other than their mother signing.”
Wann says, "I've been asked why we have this program, and my answer is simple: this is a way for callVRS to give back to the community. What better way to do it than to reach out to new generations of Deaf children through their natural language?"

"The Hungry Caterpillar" Written By: Eric Carle
www.Eric-Carle.com
Performed By: Keith Wann
Keith Wann is an acclaimed American Sign Language (ASL) performing artist who has been captivating and amusing audiences with his controlled chaos and total pandemonium comedy explosions on stage. www.KeithWann.com
"Papa, Do You Love Me?" Written By: Barbara M. Joosse
www.BarbaraJoosse.com
Performed By: Keith Wann
Keith Wann is an acclaimed American Sign Language (ASL) performing artist who has been captivating and amusing audiences with his controlled chaos and total pandemonium comedy explosions on stage. www.KeithWann.com
"Where the Wild Things Are" Written By: Maurice Sendak
http://www.harpercollins.com
Performed By: Crom Saunders
Crom Saunders is in constant motion between his teaching, presenting, performing, and everything in between. He currently holds a MA in Creative Writing. Crom has worked for theatre in almost every position possible backstage and on stage, in addition to lecturing on a wide variety of topics. CromSaunders.tripod.com
"David Goes to School" Written By: David Shannon
http://www.scholastic.com/titles/nodavid/davidshannon.htm
Performed By: Windell "Wink" Smith Jr
Windell (Also known as Wink) co-founded and serves as Volunteer CEO for Project N.A.D.I.N.E. (National Advocates on Deafness to Inform, Network and Enrich). Windell is currently touring with his one man show “Looking Up At Deaf Culture” and with his various “Winkshops.” Windell has also written and produced an ASL DVD entitled Idioms! “Do You See What I’m Saying”? www.WinkASL.com
"The Snowy Day" Written By: Ezra Jack Keats
www.ezra-jack-keats.org
Performed By: Keith Wann
Keith Wann is an acclaimed American Sign Language (ASL) performing artist who has been captivating and amusing audiences with his controlled chaos and total pandemonium comedy explosions on stage. www.KeithWann.com
"Curious George" Written By: Hans Augusto Rey and Margret Rey
www.curiousgeorge.com
Performed By: Pinky Aiello
Pinky has traveled throughout the United States and Europe studying Deaf Culture and American Sign Language & International sign language and is an enthusiastic supporter of Deaf-Hearing Team interpreting. Pinky recently starred in the DVD, "Pinky Tells The Real Story: Videophone & Video Relay Service" www.PinkyTheJuggler.com