Pearl River 9-Year-Old Presents "I am Deaf" to School Board

Pearl River resident Tommy Carroll, 9, just wants to be able to talk with people.

That presents a challenge because Carroll is deaf.

Carroll encouraged people to learn American Sign Language and talked about the importance of communication in a presentation to the Pearl River Board of Education Tuesday entitled "I am Deaf."

Carroll has implants that help him to hear better and he is able to speak out loud a little, but he relies heavily on sign language to communicate. He was aided Tuesday by Sharon Chason, who works with Carroll as an interpreter for Westchester BOCES at the Ridge Street School in Rye Brook.

Carroll said the Pledge of Allegiance, then made his presentation in sign language before fielding questions from members of the Pearl River Board of Education. See the video attached for part of his presentation.  

"We're so proud of Tommy and the progress he has made to be able to present to the board," said Pearl River Director of Special Services Carolyn Moffa.