In a small room in the Pineridge neighbourhood, a group gathers weekly to learn American Sign Language (ASL) under the leadership of advocate Eileen Levie. Levie is passionate about bridging communication gaps and teaching others how to communicate beyond the limits of sound. She began teaching ASL to her neighbours when she moved to the area in 2022 and has since garnered the attention of City of Calgary Community Social Worker Megan Solamillo. Solamillo recognized the potential for a broader impact and encouraged Levie to teach the broader community, which she eagerly agreed to. With the support of Deaf and Hear Alberta, Levie now leads free ASL sessions at the Village Square Leisure Centre, attracting a diverse group of participants from around the world.
Levie’s dedication to teaching ASL stems from her desire to include everyone in the conversation. She acknowledges that some people can feel awkward when communicating with deaf individuals and hopes to alleviate this by teaching ASL. Through her efforts, Levie aims to create a more inclusive and connected community where everyone has the opportunity to communicate effectively. The ASL workshops run every Tuesday and are set to continue until June 25th, with plans to resume in the fall. Levie’s passion for teaching and her commitment to breaking down communication barriers have made a significant impact on the Pineridge neighbourhood and beyond.
The support from City of Calgary Community Social Worker Megan Solamillo and Deaf and Hear Alberta has been instrumental in helping Levie bring ASL education to the broader community. Solamillo recognized Levie’s enthusiasm for teaching ASL to her neighbours and saw the potential for a larger impact. By working together with Deaf and Hear Alberta, Solamillo was able to provide the resources and support needed for Levie to lead weekly ASL lessons at the Village Square Leisure Centre. This collaboration has enabled Levie to expand her reach and impact, attracting participants from various backgrounds and countries to join the ASL workshops.
Levie’s passion for teaching ASL is evident in her commitment to sharing her knowledge and skills with others. She finds joy in teaching and is dedicated to helping people learn a new way of communicating. Through her efforts, Levie is not only teaching ASL but also fostering a sense of community and connection among participants. By creating a space where everyone is welcome and included, Levie is making a positive impact on the lives of those she teaches and the community as a whole. Her focus on communication and connection is transforming the way people interact and understand one another.
The ASL workshops led by Eileen Levie have attracted a diverse group of participants, including individuals from Pakistan and Afghanistan. Levie’s welcoming and inclusive approach to teaching ASL has created a space where people from different backgrounds can come together to learn and communicate. The sense of community and connection fostered by Levie’s workshops transcends language barriers and cultural differences, bringing people together in a shared goal of learning ASL and expanding their communication skills. Through her leadership and dedication, Levie is breaking down barriers and building bridges between people from diverse backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and understanding community.
Overall, Eileen Levie’s initiative to teach ASL in the Pineridge neighbourhood has had a significant impact on the community. Her passion for communication and connection has inspired others to learn ASL and has created a space where people can come together to improve their communication skills. With the support of City of Calgary Community Social Worker Megan Solamillo and Deaf and Hear Alberta, Levie’s ASL workshops have attracted a diverse group of participants and have created a sense of community and inclusion. By teaching ASL and fostering connections among participants, Levie is not only breaking down communication barriers but also building bridges between people from different backgrounds and cultures. Her commitment to inclusivity and connection serves as a powerful example of the positive impact that one person’s passion and dedication can have on a community.
