ATLANTA – A Georgia company creates a free digital storybook called “Ben Signs: A New School Adventure” to teach children sign language.

• “Ben Signs: A New School Adventure” teaches children sign language and empathy. 
• Children with hearing disabilities outnumber school interpreters and translators at 41 children per 1 school translator in the U.S. 

There are 395,548 children with hearing disabilities in the United States, and a significant number of these children lack access to school interpreters and translators. Nationally, children with hearing disabilities outnumber school interpreters at 41 children per 1 school interpreter.  

As schools struggle to staff enough sign language interpreters and sign language programs remain costly for schools to implement, ProCare Therapy, one of the country’s top sources of school-based therapy, located in Peachtree Corners Georgia, announces the launch of a free digital and downloadable storybook to help teach children sign language. 

The book, “Ben Signs: A New School Adventure,” can be used by parents and educators to help teach children the basics and importance of sign language. This engaging and accessible book tells the heartwarming story of Ben, a young boy who is deaf, as he navigates his first day of kindergarten and makes new friends.

The book was created as a response to the need for accessible and engaging resources to help children better understand the experiences of their deaf peers.  

The illustrated book aims to bridge the communication gap in schools by weaving in lessons on empathy and friendship while making it easy for children to learn how to sign essential American Sign Language (ASL) words and phrases, such as “Hello,” “Thank you,” and “My name is,” which children can use to communicate with their deaf classmates. 

“At ProCare Therapy, we are passionate about providing resources that not only educate but also inspire empathy and understanding in children,” said Stephanie Morris, Senior Vice President of ProCare Therapy. “We believe that ‘Ben Signs: A New School Adventure’ will help children not only connect with their deaf peers but also educate children, parents and educators on the challenges that deaf children can face, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity in classrooms and beyond.” 

“Ben Signs: A New School Adventure” is designed to be shared and is available for free to parents and educators in a digital format. To read or download the storybook and learn more about the challenges deaf children face, visit ProCare here.