| Outreach Projects |
In addition to support with interpreter training, deaf education, and early childhood programs, NLDM also participates in deaf awareness and rural outreach.DEAF AWARENESS
NLDM has developed a Honduran Sign Language (LESHO) CD for families of Deaf children and other hearing people interested in learning the native language of Deaf Hondurans. This CD was created by Deaf people within NLDM and the community. Shirley Venis, a Deaf Honduran and teacher at Happy Hands School, demonstrates the signs on the CD. This CD provides words in LESHO as well as written English and Spanish. NLDM alo hopes to gather artifacts and stories to preserve the heritage of deaf people in Honduras.
RURAL OUTREACH
One of the challenges NLDM faces is seeking out Deaf persons in rural areas of the country where Deaf children are often kept at home away from society out of ignorance and/or shame and services are unavailable. NLDM hopes to reach more of these Deaf children, encourage their families, and introduce them to the services of the Ministry as well as other opportunities available in Honduras.
UPCOMING PROJECTS
NLDM has for many years offered six levels of sign language courses to family members of Happy Hands children and will soon be offering these courses as community sign language classes open to families, friends, and others interested in learning Honduran Sign Language. NLDM will also soon be producing a second volume of the LESHO CD with 150-200 new signs demonstrated and both CDs will be with voice overs in English and Spanish.