Texas Playground Sign Teaches Kids Sign Language

Ward Elementary in Abilene installed a playground sign that teaches kids American Sign Language (ASL). This helps hearing and deaf children play together without needing an interpreter. The sign honors Caleb Jr., a beloved deaf student who passed away. Kids learn basic signs for common playground words like 'play,' 'friend,' and 'help.' This creates an inclusive space where all children can communicate directly with each other. Houston has over 2.3 million residents, and about 466,000 people in our region have some hearing difficulty. Our schools serve thousands of deaf and hard-of-hearing students across HISD, Cy-Fair, Katy, and other districts. When we teach all kids sign language, we build bridges between communities. Children learn that different ways of communicating make our neighborhoods stronger, not weaker. Houston families can advocate for similar inclusive playground signs at their local schools and parks. Contact your school's principal or PTA to discuss installing ASL learning signs. Reach out to Houston Parks and Recreation about adding signs to neighborhood playgrounds. Organizations like the Houston Area Association of the Deaf can provide guidance and resources. Small changes like these playground signs help create the welcoming, connected community we all want for our children.

Ward Elementary in Abilene, Texas now has something special on our playground. A new sign teaches kids how to use American Sign Language while they play together. The sign honors Caleb Devereaux Jr., who we called "Junior." He was 11 years old and deaf. Junior loved dancing, singing, and making videos with his sisters. He passed away from leukemia almost two years ago. His teacher, Letabeth Machogu, says Junior taught her how to be friendly to everyone and see students as whole people. Our new playground sign shows the ASL alphabet and signs for words like "friend," "play," "tag," and "share." Before this sign, hearing kids needed an interpreter to talk with deaf classmates. Now they can communicate directly and build real friendships without a third person helping. Machogu teaches deaf and hard of hearing students at Ward Elementary. She says Junior was one of her favorite students. When she came back to school after he passed away, she felt angry because he should still be there with us. The sign has "In loving memory of Caleb Jr." written at the top. Machogu thinks Junior would be proud and would say "Thank you, I love it." Kids across our community can learn that everyone should know some sign language. We can all help bridge the gap between deaf and hearing worlds.