My name is Vicki Mooney and I am an ASL (American Sign Language) teacher here at Hoover High School. This is my eleventh year at Hoover. My first two years here I was an interpreter for Deaf students and the last 9 years I have been teaching American Sign Language. I teach ASL Levels I and II.   I work as an interpreter at Kent State University in the evenings.   I have a B.A. degree in ASL and a B.S. degree in Deaf Education (both from KSU). Right now I am taking classes at Malone University.  I am getting a Reading endorsement for my teaching certificate. 

My husband's name is Steve Mooney. He is the pastor of a Deaf church in Canton. He also works as a job developer and job coach.  He is hard-of-hearing.   

My oldest daughter, Kristen, graduated from Hoover in 2004.  She graduated in August 2009 with her Forensic Accounting degree.  Her husband Cody Ford graduated with a History/English degree from Malone.  He is an Officer in the Army.  He arrived home in July 2010 after a tour in Afghanistan.  We are thankful that he is safe and doing well.  Their son Greyer will be 4 in February.   They are stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington state.  We visit a few times a year.   

My younger daughter, Courtney, graduated from Hoover in 2006.  She graduated with a degree in accounting and works as an accountant at Smucker's.  She will be getting married to Brian Jakubowski in May, 2011. 

I enjoy bike riding, hiking, line dancing, kayaking and hanging out with family and friends.

SUPPLIES NEEDED: For both ASL I and ASL II
*3-ring binder l" (for portfolio)
*ASL Dictionary - $22.00 (Random House Webster's, Elaine Costello).    Border's has limited copies available for the same price.

INTERESTING INFORMATION:
ASL is a visual/manual language. It is not "English on the hands".
Many people think that ASL is the same as English. However, ASL has its own grammar and linguistic structure. ASL is really used without voice. If you sign and voice at the same time, it compromises the integrity of both languages. ASL is not just gesturing or playing charades.  It is the natural language of Deaf people.  ASL can only be used in USA and Canada. 

Most Deaf people don't view themselves as handicapped or disabled. They view themselves as a culture/language group just like an Hispanic person does. This view of Deaf people is the "cultural view". The view that sees Deaf people as disabled is the "pathological" view. We teach ASL at Hoover from the perspective that Deaf and hearing people are equal. 

It is my goal this year that you learn the language and understand and appreciate the Deaf-world culture.

ASL websites:

aslpro.com (on-line dictionary, fingerspelling practice, on-line games and quizzes) 

asl.ms (fingerspelling practice)  Slow, Medium, Fast, Deaf speeds.

ASL University

deaflinx.com

ASL I topics:                                               ASL II topics:

deaf and hearing idioms                                Signing stories

famous Deaf people                                     Cochlear Implants

Deaf-hearing relationships                            Foreign Sign Languages

Deaf jokes/humor                                        Deaf Humor

Deaf poetry, storytelling                               Deaf technology

ABC stories                                                Gallaudet University

'Deaf President Now' 'DPN'

My email address:  vlm1nc@northcantonschools.org   Please email me for any questions or concerns.