In a small room, a group gathers weekly to learn American Sign Language (ASL) from advocate Eileen Levie. Levie, who is deaf, emphasizes the importance of communication beyond sound and aims to bridge gaps between the deaf and hearing communities. She began teaching her neighbours in Pineridge in 2022, sparking interest from City of Calgary Community Social Worker Megan Solamillo. With the support of Deaf and Hear Alberta, Levie now leads free ASL workshops at Village Square Leisure Centre, attracting participants from various backgrounds.
Levie’s dedication to teaching ASL stems from her love for teaching and desire to include everyone in the conversation. She has taken on the role of educator to spread awareness and understanding of the deaf community. Through her efforts, she has created a welcoming environment for individuals to learn a new language and connect with others in a unique way. With the support of Solamillo and organizations like Deaf and Hear Alberta, Levie’s impact has extended beyond her neighbourhood to the broader community.
The ASL workshops led by Levie focus on teaching the fundamentals of sign language to participants from diverse backgrounds, including those from countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. The weekly sessions have become a platform for cultural exchange and connection, allowing individuals to learn and communicate in a new way. Levie’s mission to make ASL accessible to all highlights the importance of inclusivity and understanding in fostering communication between different communities.
The success of the ASL workshops can be attributed to Levie’s passion for teaching and her commitment to creating an inclusive space for learning. Her ability to connect with individuals from various cultural backgrounds has made the workshops a popular gathering spot for those interested in learning ASL. By emphasizing the importance of communication beyond sound, Levie has created a unique learning environment that encourages participants to engage with one another in a meaningful way.
Levie’s impact extends beyond teaching ASL, as she advocates for greater awareness and understanding of the deaf community. Through her work, she is breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals to connect and communicate in new ways. Her dedication to bridging communication gaps reflects a larger goal of promoting inclusivity and acceptance within society. The ASL workshops led by Levie serve as a testament to the power of education and community in fostering connections and understanding between different groups of people.
Overall, Eileen Levie’s ASL workshops have become a beacon of inclusivity and connection within the Calgary community. Through her passion for teaching and dedication to bridging communication gaps, Levie has created a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn and connect through sign language. Her efforts highlight the importance of inclusivity, understanding, and fostering connections between different communities, ultimately creating a more accepting and inclusive society for all.
