The Signing SLP

I’m currently at a cabin in the woods for the weekend with one goal: Unplug. I’m not even supposed to be on social media right now, much less thinking about work... 🤪🌲📵

But I brought Will Fertman's book, "The Deaf Baby Instruction Manual," with me. I wanted to review it so I could be sure I knew exactly what I was recommending when I passed it along to families. I figured it would be a quick professional check-in since a "manual" isn't typically written for someone with my experience level.

I was so wrong. I picked it up this morning and just finished the entire thing because I literally could not put it down! 👏

Even with a decade in the field, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the read. Often, when I'm reviewing resources aimed at families, it’s easy to just stay in "work mode" because the information is so familiar. But the way this is phrased is so fresh and unique that it kept me completely engaged the whole time! It felt like having a long, hilarious conversation with Will. His tongue-in-cheek style had me laughing out loud on the porch! 😂

Will has always been one of the first people I recommend parents reach out to when they have questions. I always tell them to look out for his name when he contributes to posts in various parent groups for DHH children because his insight is so valuable. I was lucky enough to see early drafts of some chapters, but having this complete book to share now is a total game-changer! 🙋‍♂️🏆

If you’re a parent, or even a fellow pro looking for a fresh and brilliant resource, grab a copy. Now I’m actually putting my phone away and heading back to the trees! 🤟📚🌲🐿️

Another great year at the conference! So happy for all the folks I got to meet, see again, and interact with (most of whom I forgot to get a selfie with!). See you next year!

My favorite princess! 👸

Ask and you shall receive! We had a lot of requests for a virtual option for our Deaf Belle event. So we will have an opportunity from 9:30-10 am ET, before the in person event, for virtual attendees to meet Belle and enjoy a story in ASL!

📅 March 7, 2026
🕑 9:30-10 ET
💻 Zoom
✔ Register at language1st.org/events-ct