Special Education: Keeping VANESSA close to home

Imagine a world of silence: no alarm clock to help wake you up in the morning, no music, and no telephone conversations. Learning and interaction free of noise seem unimaginable to the average person. But for Sierra High School freshman Vanessa Salacup, overcoming the challenges of being born deaf is easier because of the services provided by the Special Education department of San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Vanessa deciphers class lectures by paying close attention to the hands of Educational Sign Language Interpreter and Tutor, Melinda Wilson. Melinda’s assistance makes it possible for Vanessa to fully integrate into conceptual physics, driver’s education, and algebra. The duo spends nearly six and a half hours together during a normal school day. They separate on lunch breaks, but reunite anytime Vanessa is involved in a school function.

“I remember one time there was an important project due in class and I could detect that it was noisy, but I was able to concentrate,” signed Vanessa.

According to SJCOE Special Education teacher Dave Bermann, SJCOE is one of few institutions capable of providing equal access opportunities for every student in San Joaquin County. “Vanessa would have had to leave her family and friends to study at a comprehensive deaf school in Fremon,” said Bermann.

Instead, Vanessa blends into the crowded hallways at Sierra High, part of Manteca Unified School District, with a bright-colored backpack and her signature smile, trying to make it to class before the bell rings like everyone else. “I like meeting people and being active. I have a lot of friends,” commented Vanessa through Melinda. “They (my friends) do what they can to reach out by finger-spelling and note writing.”

After having taught her friends basic sign language and watching her family take classes to learn how to bridge the communication gap, Vanessa hopes to help hearing-impaired youth and their families.