Kickstarter

"HAND ARTIST--Did You See What They Said?" is the first in a series of books about an active family, the Barbers, who leads a typical busy life, despite communicating in a unique way.  Each book will focus on different issues facing Deaf people living in a hearing world.  Erin, a 6th grader, loves soccer and ice skating, while big brother Ben, in junior high, is a skilled soccer and hockey player.  Kyleigh is Erin's BFF who tells the story through her eyes and, uh, hands.

This book series is intended to introduce the daily routine of a Deaf family who participates in their community like most of their neighbors.  It looks at how technoIogy and common sense allow the Barber family to function independently while living life fully. What sets them apart from most people is how they communicate, not by speaking, but by using their hands in American Sign Language (ASL).  Erin has aspirations to be a doctor, while Ben is eyeing a career as a professional hockey player.  Kyleigh finds it fascinating to see how animated they become telling stories, replaying games or just chatting with each other; drawing pictures in the air-- kind of like HAND ARTISTS.

Each of the books, beautifully illustrated by Steph Labrie (who is a late-deafened adult), will also include "tools"  to teach readers about ASL, interpreters, adaptive equipment (like vibrating alarm clocks or flashing doorbells), and hearing aids and cochlear implants for improved hearing.