When Talia Moskowitz was 3 years old, she was diagnosed with apraxia — a neurological disability that prevented her from speaking.
To compensate, she learned American Sign Language.
The diagnosis was wrong. When she began talking, she had no need for ASL.
But she never forgot it. Two years ago, Talia and her good friend Tessa Cassell realized they both were fascinated watching speeches and other event being signed on TV. Tessa, in fact, had been teaching herself to sign at home.
They wondered why ASL is not taught at Staples. (A lack of certified teachers, and difficulty in grading, they learned.)
Then they had another idea: start a club.
Tessa Cassell (left) and Talia Moskowitz: friends and co-signers.
They researched ASL. They took an online course. They found an advisor: English teacher Danielle Spies.
The club fair in the fall of 2021 connected them with interested students. About 20 came regularly to meetings. The group learned the basics of sign language — and its culture too.
Tessa and Talia’s next idea was to expand to younger grades. Westport Library children’s reference librarian Di Conroy was very helpful.
A pilot program — taught by the 2 teenagers — was successful. Youngsters learned quickly, and made new friends while signing.
A new Library class started last Wednesday, and runs for 2 more sessions. “Introduction to American Sign Language, Grades 5-7” teaches the alphabet, basic words and phrases, numbers, family members, emotions, and hobbies.
“Kids love having a skill like this, that they can practice and develop,” say Talia and Tessa, who are as excited as their students.
They take the youngsters’ enthusiasm as a “sign” to keep the club, and their courses, going.
Inspiring
That’s awesome, Tessa and Talia! I love that you took your enthusiasm for learning sign language and found a way to share it with your peers and all the younger students at the library. : )
What amazing young women. The world needs more Tessas and Talias. Great feature.
CathyCassell
Fantastic thing their doingđź‘Ť
Such an uplifting story and it is specially sweet because Tessa is our neighbor. So proud of her and Talias. When young people see a need, then take the initiative to make their vision a reality and make the world better for others, that is special.
Kudos, young ladies and mentors. My daughter always wished that Staples would have ASL as a language option. It’s a beautiful language, and there is so much more to the culture than most of us understand. My signing skills have grown rusty since the 3 people I used to sign with no longer live locally. But I was super excited that Trader Joe’s has hired a beautiful young woman who happens to be deaf. Now I am motivated to brush up on my ASL so I can converse with her.