Deaf Access Services receives First Niagara Foundation Grant

Deaf Access Services received First Niagara Foundation grant to teach American Sign Language to deaf Children

Originally Published in Niagara Frontier Publications

Friday, February 26th, 2016 09:40pm

Deaf Access Services has received a $2,500 "Quality of Life" grant from the First Niagara Foundation.  The funds will be used to offer sign language classes for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing babies and toddlers in the Western New York area, providing these children with their first introduction to the rich language that is American Sign Language.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, ASL is a complete, complex language that employs signs made by moving the hands combined with facial expressions and postures of the body.

DAS will offer classes to teach basic sign language vocabulary designed specifically for babies and toddlers.  DAS will offer this service free of charge to parents and families regardless of their ability to pay.

"We are grateful to receive these funds to enable DAS to expand our efforts to connect and provide ASL classes for young children.  Many of these children are born deaf to hearing parents who are looking for ways to communicate with their children," said Sharon L. Hanson, Executive Director, Deaf Access Services.  "This funding will allow those individuals most in need to receive these vital classes."

"First Niagara is proud to support Deaf Access Services and the valuable work they do every day in our community to provide vital resources and opportunities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals," said Elizabeth Gurney, Executive Director of the First Niagara Foundation.  "Their efforts are enabling individuals in Western New York to discover newfound abilities and reach their full potential."

For more information about DAS and these ASL classes, those interested should call: 716-833-1637 or Video Phone at 716-335-9170; or email LearnASL@wnydas.org or visit www.wnydas.org .

 

About The First Niagara Foundation

The First Niagara Foundation is a not-for-profit charitable entity.  Founded in 1998, the First Niagara Foundation is committed to supporting organizations in the communities in which members live and work, with specific focus on youth and education, community development and neighborhood revitalization.  In 2015, First Niagara contributed nearly $6 million in charitable grants to community partners across the bank's four-state footprint.  For additional information on First Niagara, visit www.firstniagara.com.

See more at: http://www.wnypapers.com/news/article/current/2016/02/26/123751/deaf-access-services-receives-first-niagara-foundation-grant-to-teach-american-sign-language-to-deaf-children#sthash.8KKU7SoF.dpuf

Tags: Community News 2016

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