Special to the PRESS
The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary (SPIBNC&AS) has a new member on its team. Elena Garcia has been employed as SPIBNCAS’s new Sign Language Interpreter for deaf/hard of hearing guests.
Beginning Oct. 7, Sign Language Interpretation will be scheduled once a month. Garcia will be working along with SPIBNC&AS staff members that will be presenting the 1:30 p.m. Gator Talk. She is a non-certified sign language interpreter who has 41 years of experience in signing in various educational and public settings.
Her 41 years of experience include being an Instructor for American Sign Language at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Interpreter for the Deaf at the Brownsville Catholic Diocese and Educator for the Deaf at Brownsville Independent School District.
According to Sylvia Solis, the marketing director at the center, everyone at SPIBNC&AS is aware of the importance of helping bridge the communication gap between the hearing person and a hearing-impaired individual.
“By providing this service, we are opening our door to a more diverse clientele that can help us with our mission, educating the public about birds of South Padre Island and its environs,” stated Solis. “The SPIBNC&AS considers the additional service that Mrs. Elena Garcia will be offering for the hearing impaired to be a winning feature to help everyone feel welcomed and included in the many wonders of nature and wildlife.”
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