Milton library receives donation for deaf children

Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens, a nonprofit organization, recently donated 21 books depicting deaf children and American Sign Language to the Milton Public Library. As a part of its community outreach, DDSC supports deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Delaware. 

In celebrating the books’ arrival, DDSC President Allen Talbert said, “This donation helps DDSC ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing children have access to books that recognize their language, depict them positively, and promote awareness of their lives and capabilities.”

Mary Ann Richmond, DDSC secretary, emphasized the importance of language development opportunities for deaf children through reading. Richmond said she plans to bring her grandchildren to the library to enjoy the books. “These books will also be a great tool for teachers to use in their classrooms to help students learn about deaf children,” said Richmond.

Parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children, as well as their siblings and friends, will also benefit from the books as they learn to include and communicate with the deaf child, said project coordinator Dr. Martha Sheridan. “Another benefit of having these books in the Delaware library system is that deaf children will see themselves in the books, and that will encourage reading and advance their education,” said Sheridan. “Some of the books were written by deaf authors who understand the importance of books created for deaf children.”  

The National Association of the Deaf recognizes April as National Deaf History Month. “The books arrived just in time,” said Milton Library Director Lisa Petrecca. “The books focus on babies to age 5 and are shelved in the children’s section of the Milton library, but are available by request from any library in Delaware.”