Sign language session set for Nov. 17 at Olson library

A sign language interest session is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Olson Memorial Library in Eagle River.

The session, led by instructor Ingrid Stephan, will introduce basic sign language and provide an overview of a five-week Sign Language Course series that will proceed if there is sufficient interest. A minimum of three students is required for the series to be offered.

Participants will learn the foundations of communicating through sign language, focusing on building a strong vocabulary and fingerspelling skills rather than the specific syntax of American Sign Language (ASL).

Questions and input from attendees are encouraged, and participants are invited to share what they hope to learn.

Stephan earned her master’s degree in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has worked extensively with the Deaf and hearing-impaired community throughout Wisconsin, primarily in Madison. In retirement, she continues to offer tutoring in ASL, English as a Second Language, and reading, writing, and speech therapy for individuals with communication disorders.

“Through this program, the library seeks to support learning and growth and continue to make our community a more accessible and inclusive space for all,” said Jamie Harney, the library’s public services coordinator.

Olson Memorial Library is located at 203 N. Main St., Eagle River. For more information, call 715-479-8070, email olsonlibrary@gmail.com, or visit olsonlibrary.org.