PEGGY JOHNSTON, CO-DIRECTOR
404 S. Oak Street
404 S. Oak Street
Durand, MI 48429
989-288-4546
517-285-6532
jklbmc@yahoo.com
SHARON POPLER, CO-DIRECTOR
SHARON POPLER, CO-DIRECTOR
3640 E. Bath Road
Morrice, MI 48857
Tel: 989-634-5748
gma4hugs@hotmail.com
DEAF AWARENESS
POSTERS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
We now have reprints of four of the previous Deaf Awareness Posters. Contact me if you wish to have posters, etc.
American Manual Alphabet: This poster is one that we did not have to reprint. This poster could be used in schools, churches, libraries, Grange Halls or anywhere that people come in contact with deaf or hearing impaired people. For example, our Grange delivered Dictionaries to a third grade classroom, along with Deaf Awareness items (one being the Manual Alphabet poster) and in one of the thank you’s we received, one of the students had learned the alphabet. Another third grade teacher had her students do their spelling words in sign language. There are many possibilities with this.
Pledge of Allegiance: This poster could be placed in schools, Grange Halls, libraries, etc. An idea that can be used is to do parts of it at each of your Grange meetings until everyone can sign it.
Do You See the Signs: (of hearing loss) This poster could be placed in church nurseries, day care centers, pre-schools or wherever adults can view them. It is a poster to make parents aware of what an infant to 12 months should be able to do, from 12 months to 2 years, from 2 years to 4 years and 5 years old.
Grange Deaf Awareness: Awareness – communication is key to qualify of life – hearing loss is permanent- early detection and treatment is essential, etc. Education – educate the public with printed material, video programs, classroom instruction, special equipment, information, programs. Prevention- hearing protections used, hearing testing, newborn hearing screening, personal education.
We now have reprints of four of the previous Deaf Awareness Posters. Contact me if you wish to have posters, etc.
American Manual Alphabet: This poster is one that we did not have to reprint. This poster could be used in schools, churches, libraries, Grange Halls or anywhere that people come in contact with deaf or hearing impaired people. For example, our Grange delivered Dictionaries to a third grade classroom, along with Deaf Awareness items (one being the Manual Alphabet poster) and in one of the thank you’s we received, one of the students had learned the alphabet. Another third grade teacher had her students do their spelling words in sign language. There are many possibilities with this.
Pledge of Allegiance: This poster could be placed in schools, Grange Halls, libraries, etc. An idea that can be used is to do parts of it at each of your Grange meetings until everyone can sign it.
Do You See the Signs: (of hearing loss) This poster could be placed in church nurseries, day care centers, pre-schools or wherever adults can view them. It is a poster to make parents aware of what an infant to 12 months should be able to do, from 12 months to 2 years, from 2 years to 4 years and 5 years old.
Grange Deaf Awareness: Awareness – communication is key to qualify of life – hearing loss is permanent- early detection and treatment is essential, etc. Education – educate the public with printed material, video programs, classroom instruction, special equipment, information, programs. Prevention- hearing protections used, hearing testing, newborn hearing screening, personal education.
MAY/JUNE 2026 GRANGE NEWS
MSD Graduation
Interpreters
Professional Development:
Common Work Environments
MSD Graduation
The Graduation at MSD will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 5th. We are hoping to hear this week on who our student will be that will receive our scholarship. If you are interested in attending, please let me know.
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Interpreters
Being an interpreter for the deaf requires high level fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and English, professional certification (such as RID), and strict adherence to a code of ethics. It involves two way communication bridging, specialized training, and continuous education to facilitate effective communication between deaf and hearing individuals in various settings.
Core Components of the Profession
- Skill Requirements: Interpreters must master both sign-to-voice and voice-to-sign skills. This requires translating spoken English into ASL and vice versa, accurately conveying tone, intent, and nuances in real-time.
- Training & Education: Becoming an interpreter usually involves a 2-year Associate or 4-year Bachelor’s degree from an Interpreting Training Program (ITP) or Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP).
- Certification & Licensing: National certification is often provided by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID). In many areas, such as Michigan, certification, licensing, and compliance with the NAD-RID Code of Professional Conduct are required to work legally.
- Cultural Competence: Interpreters must understand Deaf culture and be involved in the Deaf community, often necessitating years of immersion.
Specialization (CDI):
Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are deaf or hard-of-hearing specialists who work with hearing interpreters to provide deeper cultural nuances, particularly in complex legal or medical settings.
Ethical Responsibilities:
Ethical Responsibilities:
Adherence to confidentiality is paramount, as outlined in the RID Code of Professional Conduct.
Professional Development:
Ongoing workshops, continuing education, and
testing are necessary to maintain certification and
improve skills.
Common Work Environments
- Legal/Courtroom: Providing precise interpretation in legal proceedings.
- Medical/Healthcare: Interpreting in hospitals and doctor appointments.
- Educational: Assisting students in schools and universities.
- Community/VRS: Working in daily situations or as video remote interpreters.
Alexander Graham Bell Summer Camp
We have been giving some money for several years to the Alexander Graham Bell Summer Camp Fund. We will continue to give again this year. We recently talked to a gentleman from this camp who told us that they had eleven campers last year. These kids have cochlear implants and can speak. They are mainstreamed in the school systems. There have been a few over the years from MSD that have attended, but not recently. There are a lot of scholarships available for these kids to attend. The money we send goes towards their activities and camp expenses.
JULY/AUGUST 2026 GRANGE NEWS
Graduation Day at Michigan School for the Deaf
This particular day at Michigan School for the Deaf is always an exciting one for both students and parents. Even teachers, staff and alumni show so much excitement and support they have for these young adults.
The senior that received our $500 scholarship was Marquise Johnson.
CLASS OF 2026
Graduation Day at Michigan School for the Deaf
This particular day at Michigan School for the Deaf is always an exciting one for both students and parents. Even teachers, staff and alumni show so much excitement and support they have for these young adults.
This year there were nine graduating seniors. Some of them were students that we have had in the Christmas program over the years. You just might recognize the names, if you sponsored one of these boys or girls. Sharon Popler, Dale Moore and Peggy Johnston represented the Grange at this event.
The senior that received our $500 scholarship was Marquise Johnson.
CLASS OF 2026
MAEVE FAITH ALLEN
AYLA PAIGE BRENNAN
KYRA BAILEY HAMILTON
MARGUISE LATTIMORE JOHNSON
LUKE XAVIER OLSON
TAYLOR SIMONE SHARFNER
GALILEA Z.TRISTAN-PEREZ
MATTEO VICTOR VANBEVEREN
HEAVEN LEE WARWICK
Taking Care of your Hearing Aids in Extreme Heat
Taking Care of your Hearing Aids in Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can damage your hearing aid's battery and melt or warp its delicate plastic parts. Protect your device by avoiding direct sunlight, never leaving it in a hot car, and storing it in a cool, dry place like a hard-shell case when not in use.
Daily Care and Storage
Daily Care and Storage
- Use a drying kit: Moisture often builds up with sweat. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier or dry jar every night to safely remove water without high heat.
- Remove batteries: If you sweat heavily, take out the battery to stop rust or corrosion in its tracks. Leave the battery door open to air out the device.
- Avoid hot spots: Never use a hairdryer, microwave, or oven to dry your hearing aids. The extreme heat will melt the circuits.
Wearing Your Devices
- Wipe off sweat: Gently wipe your hearing aids with a soft, clean cloth several times a day. Never use water or alcohol.
- Use protective gear: Wear hearing aid sweatbands or covers. These act like tiny hats that absorb sweat and keep it out of the microphone.
- Put on sunscreen first: Put your sunscreen or bug spray on before your hearing aids. Chemicals can damage the outer shell of the device.
Don't leave your hearing aids in a hot car
Depending on where you live (and if the windows are rolled up or down) temperatures inside a hot car can reach 120 degrees or more (even in the glove box)! That may not be enough to melt plastic, but that's far above the normal operation temperature for hearing aids
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