Way back in the 80's when I attended Northern Illinois University, we had a special show each year called the "Sign Sync." Popularized after the Lip Sync/Karaoke nights that were popping up in local bars, the yearly special drew crowds of deaf and hard of hearing people who enjoyed watching a song come to life via American Sign Language.
On the recent Deaf Freedom Cruise, one of the popular events late at night was the "Signaoke" lead by comedian, Keith Wann. Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing participants stood up on the small stage and signed songs. There were tv screens all around the stage and the sitting area so that everyone could also view the words highlighted as the song played. It was music and visual heaven for those who love music.
Even those who were totally deaf and unable to hear the words were able to get up on stage and sign while following the words on the screen.
Each night, a winner was chosen and the winners competed in the final competition on the last night of the cruise.
On the picture at the left, Randi Baron-Leonard from Maryland, Jody Caseiro from New Jersey and June Prusak from Chicago rouse up the crowd with their signed version of "What's Love Got to Do With It."
