Welcome to the “About Us” page of Hands in Harmony! Unlike your typical website introduction, we want to share more than just facts and figures. We want you to understand the passion, purpose, and people behind our mission to open doors to the vibrant world of sign language.
Our Origin Story: More Than Just a Business
Hands in Harmony wasn’t born from a typical business plan. It started with a personal experience. Back in 2008, our founder, Sarah Miller, witnessed the frustration and isolation faced by her deaf neighbor’s daughter. The lack of accessible and engaging sign language learning resources motivated Sarah to take action. With a background in education and a passion for language, she began developing interactive lessons and workshops, initially for her neighbor’s daughter but quickly expanding to serve others in the community.
As Sarah observed the transformative power of sign language, building bridges between individuals and communities, her initial project blossomed into Hands in Harmony. We grew from a small local initiative to a nationwide online platform, driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to connect and communicate through this beautiful language.
Our Guiding Principles: More Than Just Learning
At Hands in Harmony, we believe sign language is more than just a set of hand gestures and facial expressions. It’s a gateway to a different culture, a deeper understanding of human expression, and a powerful tool for inclusivity and accessibility. These core principles guide everything we do:
- Passion for Accessibility: We strive to make sign language learning accessible to everyone, regardless of background, learning style, or financial limitations. This includes offering diverse learning formats, flexible payment plans, and free resources.
- Community-Centered Approach: We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where learners can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their progress. We actively encourage interaction through discussion forums, online events, and social media groups.
- Emphasis on Cultural Understanding: We go beyond teaching signs and grammar. We integrate cultural insights and Deaf perspectives into our curriculum, helping learners understand the nuances of sign language and appreciate the richness of the Deaf community.
- Dedication to Quality: We believe in providing high-quality, engaging, and effective learning materials. Our team of experienced instructors, linguists, and cultural experts ensure that our offerings are accurate, relevant, and enjoyable for all learners.
Your Journey Starts Here: More Than Just a Website
Hands in Harmony is more than just a website offering online courses. We are a community of learners, instructors, and passionate advocates for inclusivity and communication. We invite you to:
- Join our learning community: Explore our diverse range of courses, workshops, and resources, and find the perfect fit for your needs and goals.
- Connect with other learners: Share experiences, ask questions, and offer support in our online forums and social media groups.
- Get involved in our events: Attend live workshops, participate in cultural immersion experiences, and celebrate the beauty of sign language with us.
- Advocate for inclusivity: Join us in our mission to break down communication barriers and build a more inclusive world where everyone can thrive.
Thank you for visiting Hands in Harmony. We hope you’ll join us on this journey of connection, understanding, and self-discovery through the amazing world of sign language.