Author: LouiseSattler

SIGN LANGUAGE (ASL) and ENGLISH COMMUNICATION CHART – SPECIFIC TO COVID 19 (DOWNLOAD FREE)

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Hello all and I hope that this special blog finds you and yours healthy and safe. As you may know, I have worked more than 30 years within the Deaf / ASL community. I also have vast experience with training First Responders on how to engage and communicate with people who are Deaf or have unique challenges, such as Autism.

In order to assist our medical and EMS staff to communicate with people who use sign language or are non-verbal, I have created this downloadable communication chart. It is FREE and you may download and copy as you see fit. I only ask that you keep it free and do not duplicate for profit.

Special note! This chart is NOT to be used for a substitute for a qualified sign language interpreter. It is to be used in conjunction with or until an interpreter arrives.

Additionally, this chart is for basic communication and should be considered more as a “conversation starter”.

How to use this communication chart

The top part of the chart has words to determine if a person is HEARING or DEAF, and to answer simple questions with a YES/ NO/ MAYBE or a HELP response.

The photos on the charts are to get quick answers to the most basic of questions often asked in an emergency room or urgent care. The photos have words embedded to ease understanding and the exchange of information.

There is an alphabet and the numbers 0-9 included. This should ease communication for general information such as obtaining a persons name, their medications, allergies, address , names of people to contact, email and phone numbers. Simply tap the letters or numbers.

I also added some essential words to garner more information – such as if the person is a Spanish speaker, wears hearing aids or has a cochlear implant. And, I thought it was important to know if they were able to read lips.

Or course, there are some typed statements regarding COVID 19 specifically. They are on the second chart in bold.

There are several symbols. These are for phone, email, FaceTime, text, Facebook and What’s App.

Lastly, note that this chart was made in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. I hope that in the days and weeks to come we won’t be needing to have materials created for COVID 19 or any other pandemic. But, I am glad that I could do my little part to help.

Be well. Please share to those who you feel could use this information in the medical / EMS community (or even our very brave grocery store clerks and delivery providers!)

If you wish to learn more about my work with the EMS community please go here

TO DOWNLOAD: CLICK EACH IMAGE BELOW, SAVE, and PRINT or DOWNLOAD AS A PDF

PDF VERSION

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Learn Online with Cudoo

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There are positives and negatives to every situation. Such is the case of being “stuck” in quarantine due to COVID-19. The negatives is the lack of being with loved ones, friends and in public places. The positive is discovering new ways to keep the mind active. CUDOO is a very big positive.

CUDOO is a user-friendly online learning system with a wide variety of course topics. From foreign languages, accounting, social media and even engineering – you can expand your knowledge base with very little financial cost outlay.

After communicating with the company, who asked me to “test drive” their product, I decided to take advantage of looking at their version of American Sign Language instruction. I opted for the BUNDLE and started my way through the various lessons.

First Impressions

The dashboard and menus are very easy to negotiate. I appreciated that there was considerable content, but not too wordy or boring, about the nuances of sign language. Terminology used was common and very basic – perfect for beginners.

Clear examples are offered with each vocabulary word – both as an illustration and as a video. And, there are quizzes at the end to help with comprehension. I purposefully missed a couple and was sent back to “relearn” before moving on or getting my certificate.

Let’s chat about the certificate! It is an excellent feature as having proof of completion of a course that allows a student to add to their resume, bring to a current employer as proof of skill development and initiative or just have bragging rights!

See for yourselves!

Sometimes photos and video is a much better “explainer” than words, especially when it comes to sign language. So, I created this video to help you see the program “in action”.

There are a few things that I would recommend for this online American Sign Language course. My top request would be for additional learning levels to address more advanced ASL concepts and vocabulary. Also, games would be a fun addition or suggestions for creating games for hands on learning!

START LEARNING WITH CUDOO! A Special product link has been set up for my readers: https://dealspotr.com/getcode/Y9ezz The Product Code: LOUISESATTLER

Cudoos is priced very reasonably for individuals and families. The ASL bundle that I reviewed has a price tag of $49. As a reviewer, my disclaimer is that I received a complimentary subscription. However the opinions expressed here are 100% of my own and without input from the company.

To learn more about CUDOO go here: Cudoo.com

“STAY AT HOME” Educational Resources for Students and their Parents/ Caregivers

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

Due to the Corona Virus (COVID 19), parents have been given one of the biggest challenges of their lives – teaching their children in the absence of teachers, structured curriculum and school support. That means parents, regardless of their own careers, are now home assuming the role of their child’s / children’s teacher.

Educators and parents all have one goal – to keep the learning curve going up while the COVID 19 curve declines.

Parents – don’t worry! I have compiled a long and comprehensive list of educational resources for you. Some of these links are chocked full rich content. One link may lead you to dozens more – so take your time and peruse! Good luck and feel free to comment below if you have additional websites you think we can all benefit from or just wish to comment!

STUDENT and PARENT/ CAREGIVER RESOURCES

Education.com

Education.com – There is a way for teachers of preschoolers to third grade to give their students a code to have entry to chosen lessons. Favorites are this LEARNING GAME LINK.

Computer coding also is a favorite part of Education.com and can be found HERE

ABCTeach.com

ABCTeach.com is a favorite of mine! They have support for preschool, elementary, middle and high schoolers. Including calculus. There are some freebies, but for $20 you can have a year-long membership. Click here to discover more about this terrific website (And you may find some familiar Signing Families content under Sign Language Learning)

California Department of Education- Resources for All Students, All States

The CDE has put together a comprehensive list of online learning opportunities and support. This site is GREAT! Their FREE Educational tab is chocked full of interactive and very helpful resources. Seriously, this site can be an answer to a parent’s prayers for help from educators worldwide! Click here to get to the site.

Click here for the CDE super – charged resources.

PBS Learning Media

PBS offers a division of their company dedicated to direct education known as PBS Learning Media .

For younger children, there is PBS KIDS

*** THE PBS App Store is extensive and has a lot of great independent learning opportunities.

YouTube

YouTube is no joke! There is some serious curriculum support and teaching happening on this social channel. Amazing teachers are available and many have offered opportunities for continued learning via their websites.

Rosetta Stone – FREE to students

Rosetta Stone has posted a free subscription to students due to the crisis. Learn more here.

Library of Congress – FREE Resources

The Library of Congress is chocked full of information. This TAB leads you to free photos and images for you to use – including learning projects.

FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS and CAREGIVERS

EDUTOPIA

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

CHADD– Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder

KIDLUTIONS – Solutions for tough problems by Wendy Young, Counselor

LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY – FUN RESOURCES

There are a lot of resources at this link for reading, STEM and more! Click here

LANGUAGE ARTS

RESOURCES GALORE! This is a treasure trove of learning opportunities from the Manhattan Beach School Distric. Click here.

Scholastic Magazine:

There is a plethora of reading resources on the Scholastic site.

MATH INSTRUCTION

Math Planet

We are Teachers – Math help from teachers

Online Math Learning – lessons

For Students with Special Needs

TIME MAGAZINE (click for link)

10 Tech Hacks for Struggling Readers

Time4Learning

A lot of activities and resources for our students on the spectrum.

ADAPTIVE GAMES – STAGES LEARNING

These games are adapted to children with unique challenges. Click here and fine motor exercises can be found here.

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“STAYING AT HOME” – ONLINE FOOD SHOPPING OPTIONS

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Hello All,

If you are like my family and so many others, you are home due to “stay at home” orders from your local or state governments due to COVID-19. This blog simply is to give you food source options that you can have delivered to your home. Some are repeats from previous blogs, but worth mentioning again. I will update this list if I learn of more online food shopping sources.

IMPERFECT FOODS. They are overwhelmed but still in delivering the best they can. ( Note this info is as of the printing of this article -March 21, 2020). Fruits, vegetables and more can be found here.

talkshop.live – image from video

Hungry Monkey Baking : I have ordered more than once from this mom who has a growing business. Her commercial kitchen is ready and waiting to bake and ship you amazing goodies! The link provided directs you to her TalkShop.Live channel where you can see her story and order directly. Flavors include Banana Chip Bread, Triple Chocolate Brownies and more!

DAKIN FARMS: Cheese, meats and much more can be ordered from this online website that is still open and shipping. Cabot Cheese uses them as a main distributor. Their story and ordering info can be found here.

Harry and David : While not a cheap option, it is a delicious one! Fruit, meats and more are available.

ZINGERMANS. Breads, tinned fish and more.

Avi GLatt Kosher Foods – high demand may mean waiting for your order. But, if you keep a kosher home, this may be a solution for you.

Also, please support your local restaurants by ordering TAKE OUT. Remember – we are all in this TOGETHER!

More Ideas to Keep Busy When You are Stuck at Home!

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Hello All! What A WEEK! I hope you are all healthy and staying safe from COVID 19 (Corona Virus).

I am planning to continue posting about activities / online events that you can do to keep you and your loved ones busy during this Corona Virus pandemic crisis. Many of the sites listed below are educational and appropriate for students of most ages. Several were chosen to help reduce the boredom factor being experienced by teens and adults.

Part one of my “boredom busters” was published earlier this week and can be found here.

You will find the details and articles associated with thel suggestions below where you see CLICK HERE

Have a suggestion? Add it to the comment section – (Remember keep it G-rated!)

GUESS WHAT! You can dance with Debbie Allen! Instagram Live – Use @MsDebbieAllen to follow along

Wednesdays at 4p/ Eastern 1pm Pacific

PBS rocks with concerts, movies and more! Watch and CLICK HERE for some of your favorites for FREE!

YMCA 360- CLICK HERE On-Demand Videos

Stream BROADWAY shows for a fraction of the cost ($8.99 a month) CLICK here

BRAVO to Billboard for their LIVE AT HOME CONCERT SERIES. They have amassed quite a number superstars to join their online concert series. Click Here is the link to learn more

John Legend … Coldplay … Death Cab for Cute … Indigo Girls … and more

Listen to many A-list musicians who are “self-quarantined” but want to bring a bright moment to music-lovers. CLICK here for the scoop

The Grammy Museum is offering Education at Home opportunities! Click here for info

FREE BOOKS from this VIRTUAL LIBRARY!! No hitch. Click here

CLICK HERE: More suggestions from USA Today (100 Things to Do…)

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Home? Bored? Check out this list of ideas to keep your family happy…

Published on by LouiseSattler1 Comment

I, like everyone else, cannot wait for the ghastly COVID 19 (Corona Virus) to be GONE! And, like many people, I have chosen to self-quarantine. But, let’s face it- one day in the house is fine. Two or three days is not optimal. But a week, two or three? Now I have issues! I figure I am not alone manifesting a fear of the” boredom factor”. Surely there are parents who are trying to rack their brains to come up with enough activities to keep their kids busy!?! As an educator, parent and individual who bores very easily, I decided to help others by searching online sites for activities that could be fun while we wait out this “CORONA- geddon”.

Below you will find my list and I would LOVE if you add a link(s) at the bottom or an idea on how to stay busy during these challenging times. (Remember, this is a family blog – so play “nice” with your suggestions.)

1. 12 Famous Museums that have VIRTUAL tours

Or check out these 500 Museums and Galleries


2..Live ZOO CAMERAS:


San Diego:  https://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
Houston:  https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/
National Zoo:  https://nationalzoo.si.edu/webcams
ZOO CAMERAS AROUND THE WORLD: https://zoocamerasaroundtheworld.com/list-of-zoos-with-webcams/

3. Love to cook and want to learn? Here you go…


TASTY – for kids and parents https://tasty.co
Cooking Channel: https://www.cookingchanneltv.com/videos/players/full-episodes-player
Cook with Kids: https://www.foodnetwork.com/fn-dish/recipes/2015/11/diy-baked-potato-bar

4. This channel is a HOW TO video channel for people who love to exert their creative juices: https://createtv.com

5.  Travel without leaving home:


Travel with Angel (who I know and is so awesome!) https://angelstravellounge.com/about/
Rick Steves: https://www.ricksteves.com
Virtual Travel: Balloon Ride: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KT0rn03-tU
New Mexico Balloon Rally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGAMTlI6XxY

6. Looking for excellent videos to watch: TEDx / Ted Talks are amazing:

 https://www.youtube.com/user/TEDxTalks/playlists 

I love Brene Brown – check her out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7ohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psN1DORYYV0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Evwgu369Jw

7. Family time:
Make a piñata: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Piñata
Real crafts for real good gifts: https://www.sixcleversisters.com/12-diy-gifts-that-your-family-and-friends-will-love-to-get/
A little plug for learning sign language:  LouiseSattler.com or  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF8KwJbRq_K05m6fezHv9_g
And be sure to check out signed stories on YouTube for fun:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrg6w933BuOQrL7xTtRphmw/videos

8. Entertainment/ Concerts
S. Korea orchestra: https://qz.com/1817876/korea-offers-free-concerts-online-during-coronavirus/
Peabody school of music: https://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/student-orchestra-impromptu-concert-coronavirus/
In fact, a lot of events were cancelled so people posted their “dress rehearsals’, etc. Here: https://twitter.com/hashtag/heyjenlookatme?src=hashtag_click

9. Just for fun:


The SCOTT QUINTUPLETS/ FAMILY  is some of the most fun video watching I do all day;  Take a break and watch their whole Quint journey here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMT-NFpYshJT9v-Fd6tmrw

Photo: Scott Family

Other ideas!

10: Jigsaw puzzles – Amazon has a huge selection including some that used RETRO photos and memorabilia. I love the ones by WHITE MOUNTAIN best – such as the classic books puzzle below!

But wait… there is more…

FrugalFun4Boys.com

11. Lego building for kids and grown-ups! Ideas can be found here from LEGO and on this website .

12: Lastly, SCRAPBOOK and PHOTO ALBUMS. NOW is the time to organize your photos, create family scrapbooks and enjoy reminiscing! Need ideas? Simply jump over to Pinterest.com for TONS of examples and DIY projects. Also, keep in mind that Snapfish and Shutterfly are both offering HUGE discounts for photo projects.

SNAPFISH COUPON

Tag you are it! Your turn to suggest how to keep busy when you are “stuck at home”.

Shop from home suggestions to keep the economy flowing.

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I am writing this blog from the comfort of my home. My (hopefully) corona virus free home. For the past few weeks “COVID-19” has been front and center in the news. First it was China’s problem. Then Italy. Now it is creeping its’ way through the United States and into our psyches.

As a person with a history of autoimmune “crap” – I decided to play it safe and limit my exposure by hanging out with Bayla at home. She isn’t too happy about our self-imposed “home-stay”.

My real reason for writing today is because my INBOX has been INUNDATED with messages about COVID 19 from companies and how they are dealing with this situation. One way to help keep their employees working and cashflow rolling is to offer online shopping opportunities and MEGA sales. I feel it is my “civic duty” to share my knowledge with you about super specials that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your home.

WAYFAIR. I have an addiction to WAYFAIR and this week they are really touting a lot of inventory in their 80% off clearance section of their website. There are some really BIG sales going on here. I checked out a lot of items (some which were sold out) and wow the selection was really great! Here were some finds that piqued my interest.

.

This lamp was originally $3000,00 and being sold for $333 this week

Or how about this 7 in 1 gaming table?! You can keep the whole family occupied during long days of enforced “staycations” or snow days!

IMPERFECT FOODS. Consider shopping for groceries via IMPERFECT FOODS. You will receive a plan to meet your needs such as a weekly or bi-monthly order. It can include vegetables, fruits or more (including eggs and cheeses) who were too “ugly” to make it to the grocery shelves. Their rejects are your next (cheaper) meal. They are in perfect condition to eat, just not perfect to look at.

Now you can get your essential perishables and do good for the world by not wasting food. IMPERFECT FOODS offers discounts for newbies. Here is the link. (Sorry, they do not offer any paper products, such as the super coveted toilet paper or paper towels.)

ULTA BEAUTY is offering a really terrific bonus gift to online shoppers who purchase $40 or more. While this seems pretty hefty – the gift is valued at nearly $100 and has great products. Get it while it lasts!

Other Noteworthy Deals for Home Shoppers

CRUISE VACATIONS: This poor industry has taken a hard hit – but they are still offering amazing pricing for cruises later in the year. I love my travel agent, Linda Kahn-Ferrell from The Travel Store and she can help guide you towards to the perfect cruise or other vacation. Simply call or contact her here. Ask Linda about great buys for airline travel, too.

FTD FLOWERS – If ever there was a time when we need some cheering up with a bouquet of flowers – it may just be today! https://www.ftd.com/occasion/spring

In closing, there is nothing funny or fun about the Corona Virus. But, if we must (temporarily) change the way we live – let us at least keep the economy going for the sake of our communities and families.

NOTE: I have not received any compensation or incentives from the above mentioned companies for including them in this blog. This was an organic article written based on my INBOX entries over the past few days.

If you know of a special that is running and wish to share – please add in the comment section. Thank you.

DISCLAIMER: The sales and information in this article was written Mid-March 2020. The items and sales were for this time period and may or may not be available upon you reading. However, the companies will (hopefully) be in business and worth checking out. Also, please check out my AMAZON INFLUENCER page here.

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#QOTD – How to deal with people who “borrow” your media content?

Published on by LouiseSattler2 Comments

“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, once said Oscar Wilde. If that is the case, I am really soaking in a bathtub full of flattery!

From time to time, it comes to my attention that my work, writing and images have been “hijacked” by others. I just shake my head as to WHY!?! Surely, there is enough creative thinking skills around for others to not steal from me.

Cases in point…

Louise Sattler at FLUTTER experience – looking bewildered!

Once, I was giving a training in Kentucky when a very nice lady asked to speak to me at the break. She conveyed to me that she had heard my presentation before given by another “expert” in the autism and safety fields. HUH? I was perplexed! She elaborated and stated that she was bewildered as to how my opening “story” was exactly the same as this other presenters. How could this be? By my asking a few more questions, I figured it out. This person had attended one of my sessions and must have liked it enough to have “borrowed” my opening story as his own. Thankfully, people recognized the authenticity of my recollections and the information I shared as credible. As for the “imposter” – well he heard from me and “others”. I believe, hope, he has ceased using my personal life as his own. Let’s just say that he may have had some “mail” that helped him decide to halt his behavior.

Next… As you may know, I love photography and take a zillion photos, including at high profile events. I must be REALLY good as I have seen my work credited others. One person had the audacity to remove my @LouiseSattler.com and put his own name and website on my photo and post it publicly. Really! Well guess what?… I have the originals and yes, I called this person “out” on social media within seconds of discovering my photos being passed off as his. He took down the photos when he realized I was not going to “be passive”. Such is the life of working in social media where people love to “borrow” what is not theirs. But, there are laws and just a moral duty to not take what doesn’t belong to you!

Recently, I was given a copy of an article in a holiday issue of a regional magazine. It was an article that seemed all too familiar. It should have. I wrote it as a blog a few years ago and this “author” simply changed a few words around to make it “her own”. Should I have called this person out for plagiarizing? Hmmm.. I felt in the “holiday spirit” and didn’t want to make a big fuss because it wasn’t that popular a blog. So, I didn’t say anything. Maybe I should have. (Would love to know your opinions on this one!)

Well, lo and behold – the copy-cat monster struck again this month! I must have “mad skills” to have such luck! There on my social media timeline was a post with a description of my previous company – nearly word for word. I thought I was dreaming! Who would hijack a description of a company that was so recognizable to so many? And more importantly- WHY!?! Clearly, I was wrong, or so I thought! I contacted my associate and asked her to read the post. Yep, I wasn’t dreaming. It was what she and I had written as our company mission statement just a few years earlier. Of course, a few words were swapped out, but all in all it was ours. UGH!

So, here lies the moral dilemma – do you call people out for snatching your media content or do you just “Do a FROZEN” – and let it go? Love to know your thoughts on the subject.

Thanks for reading!

The Power of ONE Vote

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When my children we very young I would walk them to our local school on Election Day to see all the neighbors and myself voting. Partly because it was convenient to not get a babysitter and partly because I wanted them to experience the voting process – first-hand. As I received my “I VOTED” sticker, I was sure they both got one, too. It was my wish to instill in them the knowledge that voting is a right, a privilege and our duty as US citizens.

Fast forward a bunch of years… Today, my daughter sent me the cutest photo of her dog, Kingston, at her local polling area (below). She was one of millions who voted on Super Tuesday, March 3, 2020. But for every person who voted, like we did, we have those who chose to stay home or not even vote by mail? Why did they forgo this seemingly important task?

EXCUSES! EXCUSES!

“My one vote won’t matter”

“There is no one who I want to win”

“I don’t have time”

WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!

First, let me address the “My vote won’t matter” excuse! Did you know that there are many elections that were decided by ONE VOTE (or less)? Mental Floss listed ten recent elections that were determined by one vote (or other odd circumstances). Read about how important ONE VOTE can be here.

“There is no one I want to win” is a lame excuse! There is much more than a single decision being made in the vast majority of elections nationwide. What may be decided on Election Day? How about who represents you in Washington DC. Or laws and tax referendums. School board representatives who decide the fate of you child’s education. And much, much more is at stake with each election!

“I don’t have time”. This is the most ridiculous of all excuses! With mail in voting, pre-election day voting and other options – “TIME” cannot be an excuse! What you mean to say is perhaps, I am LAZY and don’t feel like driving to vote after I get my latte. PLEAZZZZ don’t be that person!

In fact, the women of these countries would LOVE to vote – for their FIRST time! They would stand on line for hours or maybe even days if given an opportunity to SAFELY cast a ballot!

So, before you think that voting is “for others” and whether it is worth your energy- please remember that the laws and taxes that will be placed on you and impact your lifestyle tomorrow could very well be determined in the voting booths around the United States today.

Go Vote. And, if you already did – thank you.