Guatemalan Sign Language

Lora DeShields, originally from New Jersey, lived in Mexico for a few years helping the deaf community.  She moved here almost a year ago and has been focusing on helping in the deaf community here in Panajachel and in the communities nearby.

Some folks here send their deaf child to a special school, though the classrooms are mixed with children with Downs Syndrome and other disabilities.  In other cases, sadly, children simply are left at home and taught how to work, how to make tortillas, etc. Young children start work at an early age, including some deaf children.  Lora and others supporting her (me included) have made visits to help families learn how to communicate.

They just got word that there is now an official 'pre-group' for Guatemalan Sign Language here in Panajachel!  We are overjoyed!  Her hard work is paying off.  She is teaching sign to others in the Spanish congregation, and they are enjoying learning it!

Great news!

Laura, center, who has worked so hard with deaf families.