Language Bee, Inc. receives funding from Dorothy E. Ann Fund and Columbus Foundation for interactive storybook sign language DVD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) April 23, 2010 -- Dublin, Ohio

In an effort to help launch the career of an aspiring young deaf artist, Language Bee, Inc. included illustrations from Deaf illustrator Matt Purtell in their first book focusing on character education, both in sign language and printed English.

The book/DVD combo, Cheese Plant, is being made possible through a $4,000 grant from the Dorothy E. Ann Fund (D.E.A.F.) and The Columbus Foundation, and is being distributed to local schools and agencies in Columbus and surrounding areas.

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Language Bee, Inc. receives funding from Dorothy E. Ann Fund and Columbus Foundation for interactive storybook sign language DVD

Welcome visit Our WebSite:

http://www.languagebee.org

Purtell, a recent graduate of the Ohio School for the Deaf and current student at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, New York, is the sole artist on the project. NTID is the world's largest technical college for deaf students. Purtell’s illustrations are contained in both the paperback book and interactive sign language DVD.

The concept of equal access to language benefits a variety of children, including those from mild to profound hearing loss, those with cochlear implants and children either using a signed English approach or American Sign Language approach. Some of the key features are:

• ASL with voiceover
• Signed English word order with voiceover
• Viewing individual sign language vocabulary
• Viewing individual sentences in story
• Viewing entire story enabling children to follow along with the signer
• User friendly navigation with large icons

• Standard DVD format for viewing on computers, DVD players and some gaming systems

William Newman, president of the non-profit, added, “The interactive DVD format allows for unlimited, repetitive viewings of each story. Students can pause to look at facial expressions, jump back to see the sentences again, repeat sentences as many times as needed for comprehension, and analyze vocabulary throughout each story. This level of technology enables the user to retain full control of the story.”

Programmers at Language Bee, Inc. envision students following along with the story using their own sign language until they have mastered the vocabulary and sentence structures presented. The uniqueness of the concept has the agency hoping it will gain national recognition and draw attention to the critical need for language development.

More information can be found online at http://www.languagebee.org

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