Welcome to Day Two of Stink Week 2017!
White House Receptionist - Leah Katz-Hernandez
REMINDER: Every day of Stink Week we will be posting a new story about someone who is/was deaf or has/had a hearing loss. Remember to come back every day to learn, share, and let us know how it all goes!
Leah Katz-Hernandez was only 28 years old when she started working as the receptionist at the White House under the Obama Administration (see photo above). Leah graduated from Gallaudet University, a private university for the Deaf and hard of hearing in Washington DC. She studied government there and first worked at the White House as an intern. After working as a volunteer in the Obama election campaign, she was hired on to work for First Lady Michelle Obama in the East Wing of the White House. After two years working with the First Lady, she was promoted and became the "ROTUS" or Receptionist of the White House in the West Wing.
As the White House receptionist she greeted many politicians and visitors from around the world. She used a sign-language interpreter to help her communicate with anyone who did not know sign language. Click on the picture to the right to get your own tour from Leah!
Leah really enjoyed her time working at the White House. She is quoted as saying, "We (the deaf community) have always been separate, but now we are becoming more and more part of the public consciousness in an equal way, and I'm proud of that, especially for our children."
Now it's your turn! Click on this link Signing Savvy and try to learn some words and phrases in sign language. If you want a challenge, try to give a tour of your house or your bedroom using sign language!
Interesting Facts
1. Sign Language is different in other countries. Click on this link to see a video of 76 different ways to say Happy New Year in sign language: Happy New Year in 76 Different Sign Languages
2. Basic sign language is important even if someone use hearing aids or cochlear implants. There are times during the day when these devices might not be on, such as bedtime, swimming, or bath time. It is helpful for parents and children to have signs to communicate during this time.
