Have you ever wondered who’s behind the curtain at Hands in Harmony? Perhaps you’re curious about our story, our values, or the passionate individuals who make it all happen. Well, wonder no more! Today, we’re peeling back the layers and inviting you to step into the world of Hands in Harmony, where connection through sign language thrives.
More Than Just a Business: A Story of Purpose
Unlike many companies, Hands in Harmony wasn’t born from a traditional business plan. It all began with a personal experience that sparked a flame of empathy and action. In 2008, our founder, Sarah Miller, witnessed the challenges faced by her neighbor’s deaf daughter due to limited access to engaging sign language learning resources. Inspired to make a difference, Sarah started creating interactive lessons and workshops, initially for her neighbor’s child but quickly expanding to serve others in the community.
As Sarah witnessed the transformative power of sign language, bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity, her initial project blossomed into Hands in Harmony. We grew from a 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: Beyond Learning
At Hands in Harmony, we believe sign language is much more than just a set of hand gestures. 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.
- Community-Centered Approach: We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive community where learners can connect, share experiences, and celebrate their progress.
- 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.
Meet the Hands in Harmony Family: Beyond Instructors
We are a passionate team of individuals united by a common goal: to empower people to communicate, connect, and embrace the diversity of the world through sign language. Our team comprises:
- Experienced Instructors: Native signers and fluent bilingual educators who bring their expertise and enthusiasm to every lesson.
- Dedicated Content Developers: Experts in language learning, instructional design, and accessibility who curate engaging and effective learning materials.
- Supportive Customer Service: A friendly and knowledgeable team ready to answer your questions, troubleshoot any issues, and guide you on your learning journey.
- Cultural Liaisons: Members of the Deaf community who share their perspectives and experiences, fostering cultural understanding among learners.
Your Journey Starts Here: Beyond 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 joining us on this journey of connection, understanding, and self-discovery through the amazing world of sign language.