Spectrum of Expression
In the series Spectrum of Expression, Jess interprets a phrase a day in American Sign Language (ASL) as well as various modes of spoken and gestural expression. These daily teaching moments aim to display the spectrum of human communication and connect people of diverse backgrounds and physical abilities. Follow the series on Instagram. |
Team
JESS DAVIS-WALTERS
Jess has a rare genetic disorder that caused late-onset deafness when they were a teenager. In college, they began learning about Deaf culture and studying American Sign Language. Jess’ proverbial “bread and butter” -- so to speak -- is studying the neurological, emotional, and physiological networks that “make language happen” known as developmental psycholinguistics. Through this work, Jess seeks to build community by breaking down language barriers and fostering linguistic equity.
Jess is also a patient advocate and actively educates others about the myths and realities of living with a chronic illness.
ZACH KEIFER
OCTILLION PRODUCTIONSBased out of Charlottesville, Virginia, Zach Keifer has experience in commercial, non-profit, and documentary film production. Zach met Jess in a meet-up for filmmakers to connect with a diverse range of community members to share stories of the region. Zach and Jess hit it off and are currently in production of a short film, Chronically Jess, about Jess and their journey with a chronic illness.
Funding support from Reel South, a cooperative documentary series telling diverse stories from PBS stations in the regional south, through a National Education Association grant. Production support and additional funding from VPM.
Related Content
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Gestural communication is as natural to many children as spoken communication, and can be taught to children as their language skills develop. It can even be easier for toddlers and young children to express themselves with sign language. -
Oralism, the idea that spoken language is often considered superior to signed language, isn’t a new phenomenon.
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To facilitate a better understanding of gestural language and educate the public about American Sign Language, host Jess Davis-Walters is partnering with VPM on the Instagram Reels series "Spectrum of Expression."
