I wanted to share an idea with everyone here. Most of you know that I have a vent doll named Sammy that assists me in teaching the story of the Star Spangled Banner in my American Flag show. Well, I discovered a new use for Sammy that will hopefully open the doors to a new type of venue for me. Sammy is a type of vent doll that has the arms that one can put his/her arms in and operate the hands. Well, the hands are correct, meaning five fingers and proportional.

I now have a hearing impaired vent doll. Sammy does not speak with his mouth, but speaks using his hands... sign language! I, of course, interpret for Sammy for the hearing people in the audience. Now before anyone asks, I am fluent in sign language, although my ASL is a bit rusty, my PSE and Signed English are still good. I lack about 12 hours in obtaining my Interpreting Degree.

So, when Sammy and I can get our act together, literal and figurative, there are several venues around the city he and I will approach.

Margarette

Applause, Applause!!!

That is a Great concept, and one surely to open new venues for you (or others who may possibly pick up on the concept)

As performers, we tend to forget that the spoken voice is not the first langauge of many people.

My Gandparents, some Aunts and Uncles, and some cousins are Deaf. But they enjoy art, and performances of all types as much as anyone who can hear it.

I love the idea of not just interpreting or signing from outside of the act, but making it part of the act!

You Go Girl!!! You have a wonderful concept that sure to entertain and Bless many!

BroDavid

Bravo!!!

As a parent with a child with Cerebral Palsy we started with ASL to teach him how to talk, now he uses a mixture of both sign and verbal language. I applaude your ideas and THINK IT'S GREAT.

Today more parents of infants are teaching basic sign language to babies.. It has been proven that infants can sign and understand as early as 10 months.... I think it is great that you are striving to reach an area for children that may not otherwise enjoy your show simply because they are hearing impaired.

I am not a deeply religious person but the Lord above blessed you many times over... Good luck and keep us posted on how things turn out...
SloMo

What a wonderful idea.

As SloMo said, keep us posted. I'm certain your idea will be a success.

Congratulations.

Kudos, for opening up a world of magic.

I have done programs with interpreters, but
being your own "sounds" great.

Harris

That is to cool, Vent for the deaf. It would probably help teach kids who can hear how to sign so they can understand the jokes!! love it!

That's amazing Margarette, you are providing a fantastic service to the hearing impaired. I have never even heard of a Vent doll like this. I am interested in sign language, studied some awhile back, and my children are learning it now. Where can I find info on a vent doll of this sort?
Thanks
Steve

Nigel - the puppet that rocks and talks is
a Folkmanis puppet. He like some of the other Folkmanis products have gloves that a persons hands could go into.

I am well height challenged (5'5) (LOL) and my hands are also fairly small.

I am not sure if this puppet would be right for you.

I got Nigel at Crown Center Hotel and Shops,
but Folkmanis puppets are sold in a lot of places including online.

Just put Folkmanis puppets into your favorite
search engine.

Harris

Sounds like a great idea. Especially cuz if you are venting, a deaf person can't read your lips or the puppet's!!!

Practical question - how do you do the mouth and sign with the hands? Do you have 3 arms?

Andrew