The Purdue University North Central American Sign Language Club will host the presentation "Working with Deaf People in Kyrgyzstan & Learning Russian Sign Language" by Nina Coyer, professor of ASL at Eastern Kentucky University on Wed. May 15 from noon to 2 p.m. in the Technology Building, Room 364. This event is free and open to the public. Guests are welcome to bring a lunch to enjoy the presentation.
Coyer will share her unique experiences and offer her insights into the similarities and differences of the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan deaf education systems.
Coyer traveled to Bischeck, Kyrgyzstan three times to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing children at a church day camp. In addition, she held Deaf Bible Studies for adults and was invited to host workshops for educators of the deaf at the state school for the deaf and hard of hearing. Coyer taught current teaching methods used in U.S. Deaf Schools, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, where she taught for 12 years. She encouraged the teachers to set high expectations for their students.
In addition she was invited to present at the state school for the deaf and hard of hearing graduation ceremony where she encouraged them to be like the "Little Engine That Could," "I think I can, I think I can, I thought I could!"
Information about the Purdue North Central ASL Club may be found at www.aslclub.info. Information about other events in the community is posted at: www.nwideaf.org.
Further information about the this event may be obtained by contacting Karen Donah, PNC continuing lecturer and coordinator of American Sign Language at 219.785.5200 ext. 5432, (219) 785-8892 (video phone) or kdonah@pnc.edu.
