It has been a busy time for Barbie this spring, with Mattel launching the Sign Language Barbie and a new Barbie for President doll within weeks of each other. The new Sign Language Barbie is aimed at both hearing and non-hearing girls. And Pearson said one of the doll's most important and enduring contributions may be to help break down barriers of communication between the two types of youngsters, and promote better learning among the deaf. Young girls like secret codes. I knew that from having taught fourth and fifth grades.
Sign language is in a sense a way the two groups can communicate with each other.
Pearson, who came to Cal State Northridge from the U.S. Department of Education in early 1999. Meanwhile, Pearson said she hopes the NCOD's partnership with Mattel will launch a new type of role for the specialized deaf services center. We've always been known for our educational excellence. Photography related to this news release is available upon request.