vVOICE continued from page 5 She feels that one of the most beneficial learning moments for her was at the Sioux Falls School of the Deaf where she was able to observe communication between several deaf people and their interpreters. Though there is not a large deaf community in Yankton, Huber is not without resources. A few times each month she is observed by a representative from a South Dakota School for the Deaf outreach program and is given recommendations or advice. Every Monday for about an hour, Brittany Stanek, who is also deaf, spends time teaching the student. Stanek is a Community Support Specialist with the Communication Service for the Deaf in Sioux Falls. I had the opportunity to meet with Huber, Stanek and the student while getting ready to take their picture. Words flowed seamlessly with everyone as we enjoyed some casual conversation. It was incredible to watch how smoothly literally unspoken words can be understood. There are some misconceptions about the deaf community, she explains. “A lot of people can think that deaf people can read lips. I did some research. 17% - 20% is what they really can understand.” She explains not to assume a deaf person can hear if they look up when an airplane flies by or when they hear a loud noise such as a fire alarm. Some of the deaf can hear a little or can feel vibrations from the noise. “It is their language,” she continues. “The deaf community likes to teach their own language.” Though she’s assisted with teaching sign language, the proper way to learn the language is from a deaf teacher. Huber would then be the interpreter between the two parties. If you don’t know sign language, she explains that communication can simply be through pen and paper. Huber does some freelance interpretation in the Yankton Area and approximates that there are about a dozen deaf people in our community. She feels that interpreting is more of a necessity than an option, “If you have meetings or changes, it’s always best to have an interpreter. It is a struggle to get employers to pay for an interpreter, though. Always has been.” Those that she helps are held closely in her heart. “It’s like a family. Once you meet them, they remember you forever. It’s like your deaf community and if you have been their interpreter, you are pretty much included in that deaf community.” Huber has had many rewarding moments during her career. “When a deaf person succeeds at a job or getting out of HSC or treatment so they can keep going in life. And even like the students here. Seeing them blossom and learn. It’s rewarding to know that you’re doing good for someone.” She is grateful for her family and credits them for being so supportive of her career. Her husband John is the Highway Maintenance Supervisor for the state Department of Transportation; son Hunter will graduate in May from the Precision Ag program at MTI; and daughter Paityn, a sophomore at Menno Public School, is involved in many things including sports, band, FFA, FCCLA, theater and student council. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” Mark Twain once said. Huber is truly a link between the deaf and the hearing communities, eliminating barriers to blend the two cultures together in one language of kindness. n check out...hervoiceonline.com Window fashions that have every style covered. Nobody offers more choices in window fashions than Hunter Douglas. Contact us today and discover the vast selection of fabrics, textures, style and colors for your home. We provide the expert guidance you need when designing the home of your dreams. Mozaks Floors And More Duette® Architella® honeycomb shades Pirouette® window shadings 6vHERVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020 1205 Broadway Ave Yankton, SD M-F: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Sat: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Sun: Closed 605-665-9728 www.mozaksblinds.com ©2019 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners. 11583140