PNC Co-Sponsors Program, “Working with Deaf People in Kyrgyzstan”

PNCThe Purdue University North Central ASL Club, Northwest Indiana Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community and Association of Late Deafened Adults, Northwest Indiana will present the program,

"Working with Deaf People in Kyrgyzstan and Learning Russian Sign Language," on April 4, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., at the Lake County Public Library, Merrillville Branch at 1919 W 81st Ave., Merrillville.

The presenters will be Nina and Roger Coyer. Nina Coyer is a retired American Sign Language (ASL) professor at Eastern Kentucky University and Roger Coyer is a retired teacher and coach with the Kentucky School for the Deaf.

The Coyers have traveled to Bischeck, Kyrgyzstan several times to work with deaf and hard-of-hearing children at a church day camp. In addition, they held deaf Bible studies for deaf adults.

In addition, Nina Coyer was invited to host workshops for educators of the deaf at the State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. There she taught current teaching methods used in U.S. deaf schools, including the Kentucky School for the Deaf, where she taught for 12 years. She encouraged the teachers to set high expectations for their students. In addition she was invited to the School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing graduation ceremony where she encouraged graduates to be like the "Little Engine That Could". "I think I can, I think I can…. I thought I could!"

The Coyers will share their unique experiences and offer their insights into the similarities and differences of the U.S. and Kyrgyzstan deaf education systems and cultures.

The presentation will be in American Sign Language and interpreted into spoken English. Real Time Captioning (CART) will also be available

Following this presentation, there will be a gathering at the Southlake Mall Food Court at 5:00 p.m. for dining, mingling and socializing.