Meet D’yann Elaine

Today we’d like to introduce you to D’yann Elaine. Them and their team share their story with us below:

D’yann Elaine is the Founder and Executive Director of Sign with Me Incorporated, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bridge the communication gap that exists between the deaf and hard of hearing. In June of 1996, a young boy sat in the middle section gleefully enjoying the high-energy gospel song being performed at his church. This wasn’t a normal performance, however. This time, the choir was accompanied by an energetic, radiant young woman who was singing the lyrics as the song played in the background.

The energetic and inspiring performer with whom the young man was trying to communicate was D’yann Elaine. Somehow that moment of a child trying to communicate strong emotions to the very best of his abilities to an adult that he believed would hear him brought D’yann back to her own childhood experiences of failed attempts to be understood. He soon realized this woman, he thought could serve as a much-needed vessel to convey what he so desperately wanted to express, actually just looked the part, as her skill in sign language was limited only to gospel music.

She didn’t realize it at that time, but that enlightened moment was the spark that would illuminate a much bigger purpose. Two years later, D’yann, determined to pursue a Master’s in Organizational Management focused her business plan research on finding a way to build a business that would serve the deaf community and implement divisions of support within major corporations for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. In her research, she discovered the complexities of yet another underserved community of citizens striving for the right to basic civil liberties with no champion, no Dr. King or Mahatma Gandhi. D’yann set out to make a difference. The vision for Sign with Me was birthed and a new journey ensued that would prove to be deeper and far more reaching than D’yann could have ever anticipated. In 2002, what started out as teaching the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL) through song with the purpose of bringing awareness to language and the community would soon expand into service offerings including interpreting services, and diversity training for major corporations

In 2013, D’yann realized one of the shocking voids and suffrages of the deaf and hard of hearing community was the lack of effective access to emergency services. This was not merely a matter of access and convenience but one of life or death. This epiphany was one of the seminal moments that led D’yann to her next major project. It was crystal clear there was a dire need to walk the path that would lead to helping save the lives of those whose unconventional cries for help could potentially go unheard.

Four years later, D’yann Produced the first-of-it’s kind, all Deaf cast of the American Sign Language Emergency Preparedness (ASLEP), an educational media tool that is already making a difference in the lives of many who had previously been invisible to our current system of emergency services. She hopes that the bridge she has built will only get longer, wider, and more sturdy as it improves over time to help millions more. While ASL allows for communication access between the hearing and the deaf community, D’yann’s ability to build a connection is fueled by her passion and mission to advocate for equal communication access in various platforms and settings. Advocacy for equal communication access is the foundation of her company, Sign with Me Incorporated (SWM).

In July 2021, the Seniors Sign, Too! Book series was conceived to address the aging population of adults who suffer hearing and/or speech loss. Unfortunately, seniors, like the deaf community and other marginalized communities, tend to be overlooked as an entire community. Consequently, hearing loss in seniors has a profound impact on the ability to maintain connections with family, friends and caretakers. SWM seeks to address this disparity with our Seniors Sign, Too! Book/DVD series.

SWM and its projects have been driven by D’yann’s compassion and commitment to serving the deaf community. Her integrity aligns with her deep levels of compassion and her unwavering commitment manifests itself in the delivery of superb quality of products and services. Backing her drive and determination to serve others is her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of education. With more than twelve years of teaching ASL in secondary middle and high schools, D’yann holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Communications from the University of Southern California, B.A. in Deaf Studies from California State University Northridge, Masters in Organizational Management, a Master in Education, two secondary Teaching Credentials and recently joined the ranks as Adjunct Professor at El Camino College.

Clearly a true leader in her field, she is a catalyst in bridging the gap between the hearing and deaf community she continues to serve, and an inspiration to sparking a whole new generation of individuals interested in making a difference in their communities. The deaf young man, with whom D’yann may never get the opportunity to interface again, influenced the course of her entire life. It is her life’s mission to give back by influencing and enhancing the lives of millions like him.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While American Sign Language is the 4th most-used language in the United States behind English, Spanish, and Chinese with about 2 million users, most people do not take note or interest in deafness or hearing loss until it touches them or their families. As an “outsider” to a community I am not native to presents its own set of challenges with acceptance by and assimilation into the deaf community, coupled with the fact that is a niche community and market, I constantly have to balance my “place” in the community and “lane” in which I can best serve, partner and collaborate with the deaf community. At present, there are so few opportunities and entry points that encourage interaction between the hearing and Deaf communities. Sign with Me is the catalyst that bridges the communication and cultural gaps that separate and seeks ways to bring awareness to the language, advocate for equal communication access, and create equitably safe places for both communities to work together.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
SWM provides instructional teaching programs and services for individuals interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL) in a creative and fun way. In addition to our unique language programs, we offer premiere interpreting, consulting, and casting services in partnership with local agencies. Our service offerings include classes, workshops, diversity training, and interpreting services. During the summer, our ASL Music Classes teach the fundamentals of ASL through music for youth, adults, and older adults. Our program is a skill-building 8-week course that meets on Saturdays that exposes students to language in a fun and creative way, builds self-esteem, and boosts confidence while broadening cultural awareness. We also contract interpreting services for businesses in need of sign-language interpreters for public events. Currently, we are under a multi-year contract with Compton Unified School District providing interpreters for their annual HS graduation ceremonies.

As an educator, I am proud of the fact that:
1. Recognized as 2022 Teacher of the year for Centinela Valley High School District
2. First African American Academy Coordinator of the first ASL Academy offered in the US. 2016-2018
3. First African American ASL teacher in California Charter School Association 2005
4. Responsible for teaching and influencing over 10k students in my 18-year career.

As an interpreter:
1. Bethel Music Victory Tour 2018
2. The first interpreter for Stevie Wonder’s KJLH Performance Choir 2014-2016
3. The first interpreter to appear with a choir at the Donald Lawrence How Sweet the Sound Gospel Choir Competition
4. Community Interpreter for over 14 years.

As a creative;
1. Executive Producer of the first-of-its-kind American Sign Language Emergency Preparedness DVD series in 2012
2. Executive Producer of Unheard Voices: Talk show 2019
3. Author of Seniors Sign, Too! ASL illustrated self-help educational book series 2022. Book launch March 18, 2023

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
First and foremost, credit goes to God for the inspiration, passion, and drive to serve HIS people in love and humility. To my parents, Larry and Leeaada Dorsey for their direction, guidance, and support and for always choosing me against many odds. It was my mom who encouraged me to join the signing ministry at our church starting my sign journey. To my daughter A. Brytney Reaves, my Jewel, who inspires me to greatness loves me unconditionally and makes me proud of her mom. She serves as Vice President on the SWM Board, is the Writer and Director of the Unheard Voices Talk Show, and wrote the summaries for the Seniors Sign, Too! book series. Credit also goes to the Deaf community for embracing me as an ally and entrusting me to share their treasured language.

Pricing:

• Hardback SS2 Book #1 $24.99
• Softcopy SS2 Book #1 $21.99
• E-book SS2 Book #1 10.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.signwithme.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/signwithmeorg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/signwithmeorg
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/signwithmeinc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpE5KVUVh1TPUI-eDwG-wEw