Articles by JILLIAN WINN

Signing Savvy Announces New Sign Language Advisory Board Members

Signing Savvy Announces New Sign Language Advisory Board Members

By Jillian Winn
Tuesday, August 19, 2014

We’re happy to announce the addition of two new members to our Sign Language Advisory Board. The growing Sign Language Advisory Board is made up of thought leaders who have a deep subject manner expertise in sign language and are leaders in their respective fields. Our goal is to have a diverse advisory board with various backgrounds and experience to provide a wide range of advice and expertise. Our new advisory board members include: Donalda Ammons Donalda Ammons, born to all deaf family ...
Signing Savvy announces new Sign Language Advisory Board

Signing Savvy announces new Sign Language Advisory Board

By Jillian Winn
Monday, March 24, 2014

When we set out over six years ago to create Signing Savvy, we had a vision to create the most comprehensive online sign language resource for educators, interpreters, students, or anyone interested in American Sign Language. Recently, we formed a Sign Language Advisory Board. The advisory board advises Signing Savvy on sign language matters and provides guidance to help Signing Savvy accomplish the company's mission and goals.   The growing Sign Language Advisory Board is made up of thought leaders who have ...
Derrick Coleman inspires many as first deaf NFL player to play in a Super Bowl

Derrick Coleman inspires many as first deaf NFL player to play in a Super Bowl

By Jillian Winn
Sunday, February 9, 2014

Check out this Duracell commercial about deaf NFL player Derrick Coleman.     NOTE: We by no means are promoting (or not promoting) the use of their batteries or hearing aids in general, just want to make sure that you did not miss this inspirational story.   Derrick Coleman is the first deaf NFL player to ever play in the Super Bowl.  Previously, there were two deaf defensive players in the NFL - Bonnie Sloan was the first deaf player to play in the ...
Give the Gift of Signing

Give the Gift of Signing

By Jillian Winn
Thursday, December 19, 2013

The holiday season is just around the corner and if you are like me, the thought of "who to get what" is on your mind.  A Signing Savvy membership is a unique, thoughtful, and valuable gift to offer to your friends, family, or colleagues. In the last few years, we have received numerous requests for the ability to purchase Signing Savvy Gift Memberships.  Well, now you can! How does it work? When you purchase a gift membership, you will receive an Activation Code (and ...
Holiday Sign Extravaganza

Holiday Sign Extravaganza

By Jillian Winn
Monday, December 9, 2013

Tis the season to be jolly!  Below are several holiday-oriented signs and word lists to help celebrate (or at least communicate about) the holidays in sign.   Holiday Signs   We WISH you many BLESSINGS this HOLIDAY SEASON, including HEALTH, HAPPINESS, time spent with FAMILY and FRIENDS, and PEACE, LOVE, and JOY.   View our Holiday Word List   Santa Claus Signs   Have you been NAUGHTY or NICE this year? Make sure to hang your STOCKINGS and put out MILK and COOKIES for SANTA CLAUS.    View our Santa Claus Word ...
10 signs to know for Thanksgiving

10 signs to know for Thanksgiving

By Jillian Winn
Sunday, November 24, 2013

From THANK YOU to NATIVE AMERICAN to TURKEY, here is a fun, themed list of 10 signs to know for Thanksgiving.
Say Thank You and Use Polite Words

Say Thank You and Use Polite Words

By Jillian Winn
Thursday, November 21, 2013

As you are giving thanks this Thanksgiving, remember to show your love and appreciation for the special people in your life and be kind and polite to all. Learn about using polite words in this WonderGrove Kids animation featuring sign language from Signing Savvy. Developed by Educators, the Use Polite Words animation has accompanying lesson plans and extension lessons that align to the Common Core Standards for Pre-K through Second Grade. Plus, there are over 100 more animations at WonderGrove Kids. The ...
Pumpkin is a superfood!

Pumpkin is a superfood!

By Jillian Winn
Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Attention boys and ghouls! In the spirit of Fall and Halloween, learn about why pumpkins are a superfood in this WonderGrove Kids animation featuring sign language from Signing Savvy. WonderGrove Kids animated lessons with sign language are specifically designed for helping Pre-K, Kindergarten, First Grade, and Second Grade kids. The animations are a fun way to learn and practice sign language vocabulary, while specifically designed to fit well with an Early Childhood Curriculum - they are perfect for daily use in ...
Recap of Deaf Awareness Week

Recap of Deaf Awareness Week

By Jillian Winn
Monday, September 30, 2013

Yesterday (Sunday, September 29) was International Day of the Deaf and the end of Deaf Awareness Week. Deaf Awareness Week, also called International Week of the Deaf (IWD), is celebrated annually and ends with International Day of the Deaf. Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated by national and regional associations of the deaf, local communities, and individuals worldwide. There are many ways to participate in Deaf Awareness Week. Here are some ways people around the U.S. recognized Deaf Awareness Week last week: In Las ...
Project Runway Designer Justin LeBlanc influenced by his deafness

Project Runway Designer Justin LeBlanc influenced by his deafness

By Jillian Winn
Wednesday, August 28, 2013

This season's Project Runway, includes Justin LeBlanc, a deaf designer and assistant professor at the College of Design at North Carolina State University. Justin is a talented designer with a background in architecture. He interned for Alexander McQueen and Nick Cave and was awarded a Louis Vuitton Scholarship while studying his master's degree. Justin was born deaf and says, "My deafness has always influenced my design aesthetic." Being deaf has made him a more visual person - he depends on sight in ...