My background with American Sign Language is unique.  As a young boy, I grew up learning how to speak orally.  I was not born deaf, but contracted Spinal Meningitis at a tender age of 18 months.  With the wonderful dedication of my parents, Tony and Teri, and the help of the John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles, I learned how to talk.  By the time I was old enough to enter pre-school, I was sent to Kaiser Elementary School in Costa Mesa, CA, near where I lived.  Kaiser had an oral program for the deaf.  There was no Sign Language taught there.  At Kaiser, with the help of rigorous daily speech therapy, I could speak clearly despite my deafness.  I learned to overcome and conquer challenges in my youth. 

By the time I was in high school, I could lip-read with a 99% proficiency.  I spent my freshman year mainstreaming at Newport Harbor High School.  I felt that my education was diminishing due to the fact I could not understand my instructors.  My instructors always spoke with their backs toward the class and I could only understand what was written on the board.  With minimal communication with my instructors, I felt I should transfer to University High School in Irvine.  There is where I first started learning American Sign Language. 

University High School was the perfect place for me.  With my speaking capabilities, I was ready for a new challenge.  University High School provided each of my courses with in-class ASL interpretation.  The school also provided interpretation for waterpolo and volleyball practices, home games and away games, and tournaments.  There were other deaf individuals some of my classes.  I have met wonderful people who have taught me the language I now use frequently.  I have learned to love American Sign Language. 

That is my story of my beginnings.  American Sign Language has helped me develop into the person I am today.  American Sign Language has been a blessing in my life. 

Now, I would be glad to use American Sign Language as a blessing in another’s life.  I would love to help those in need of buying or selling their home.  At last, there is a deaf Realtor here, in Colorado Springs, to help you.