40 Neighbors Learned ASL To Communicate With Deaf Resident

When Glenda and Raphi Savitz of Newton, Massachusetts, discovered their daughter Samantha was born deaf, they started learning American Sign Language (ASL) so they could communicate with her. Little did they know, all of their neighbors signed up for ASL classes, too! Kelly Clarkson meets the Savitz’s good neighbors, a group of 40, who were named 2019's Bostonians of the Year for their kindness.
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The Kelly Clarkson Show is daytime's newest destination for humor, heart, and connection, featuring music sensation and America’s original idol, Kelly Clarkson.

[@lindseydarby7642]

Only around 10% of hearing parents of Deaf children learn sign language. This little girl is so lucky to have so many people who are willing to learn her language and communicate with her

[@alexandersupertramp7353]

That is a sad, and sickening number. I'm so glad I would be one of the 10%.

[@Charlie10266]

I’m one of the 90% of deaf children who’s family didn’t learn. Thank you for sharing this, it means a lot!

[@nyleve101]

@@Charlie10266 No one? What about your parents?

[@ImTheCookieMonster95]

@@Charlie10266 how did you communicate with them then?

[@su-rv2uq]

Again,how do you know this?

[@apocalypticlove]

I love how Kelly doesn’t even care that children run around her stage.

[@patrickweskamp9824]

I agree! Children learn by exploring and you can tell she feels safe and is having fun!

[@Tae_B831]

She's such a mom 😁😁 I love her

[@kathryncotter4933]

She a mom

[@matthall113]

She's a mum, she gets it 😁

[@GeorgiaWhisper]

Right, her only concern is that they don't hurt themselves. Love it!

[@brittanypowell5993]

People will have no idea how rare this is! Most parents of Deaf children do not learn sign, so for a community to do is so incredible!!! You can see how rich her language is already. 🤟

[@JamesAnderson-pr9jj]

You are 100% Correct.

[@ImTheCookieMonster95]

but how do the parents then communicate with their own children?

[@JamesAnderson-pr9jj]

@@ImTheCookieMonster95 Pen and Paper.

[@su-rv2uq]

How can you possibly know what "most" parents do? Do you know them all? You are speaking about people you have no clue about.

[@JamesAnderson-pr9jj]

It's the most logical answer. Plus I went to college to learn Sign Language, and I have friends who are deaf. One of my professors when I was in college was deaf. My deaf professor in college was older than dirt, so she has been around the block a time or two.

[@Majiwe24]

They just approved a law in my country that says every school needs to have an ASL capable person, so that students can communicate effectively.

[@malinw1910]

Which country?

[@Majiwe24]

@@malinw1910 Costa Rica, it's not ASL but it's our Spanish equivalent.

[@kosys5338]

"I see friends." What a little sweetheart. Kudos to the friends you guys deserve the recognition.

[@ks-cf9mn]

I am severe deaf. Shocking!! 40 neighborhood are learning sign language. This Samantha is very fortunate and will be bright girl in the future. This is God's grace. This is Unity of community. 🤓

[@sugrrkisses]

That little girl stole the show! When she started signing it was the cutest thing ❤️

[@horsegirl2310]

I’m not crying you are. This hits home, my grandparents were deaf.

[@kristenchesser4092]

I'm deaf this is awesome

[@rsign37]

@@kristenchesser4092 i'm not deaf....but i sign. it was my major in college

[@patiencekillz]

This is the first year my high school has offered ASL as a foreign language course & as a freshman, I get to take it all 4 years! I’m so glad I’m learning it as it’s such a fascinating language. You communicate by moving your hands in certain ways. It’s incredible!

[@sandragraybill5056]

I do not understand our education system while they are building and supplying us with these curriculums that are in place meant to provide us with all that we need to learn as we advance to the next build ultimately ending with our classes graduating and immediately after its is expected we utilize all we have been equipped with to now independently face the next steps in our lives be it college, trade schools, workforce whatever may be HOW is that even close to a possibility when we are in fact not fully equipped with all the knowledge and tools needed in life. The simplest of everyday things are continuously overlooked or omitted. ex: in order to be promoted from 6th grade to 7th grade I needed to stich a pillow.... yet sadly there stood me a newly graduated young lady very much embarrassed pretty much worse than a deer in head lights super clueless when it came time to write a check.

[@HeatherF]

I tried to make an asl club at my school by no one said yes

[@OnlyGleeLover]

Lucky! I wish i had one in high school or even one at my university but alas :(

[@patiencekillz]

Heather F Maybe make a petition and get a bunch of people to sign! That’s what a girl at my school did

[@Carol-Bell]

Laynie Rearick good for you! I retired 3-1/2 years ago from teaching ASL at a high school, and I hope you fall in love with ASL as a language, and have a great time learning! I love this language and its people and the culture attached to it- and I loved teaching it to as many who wanted to learn it.

[@ritaa6260]

It take many villages to raise a child. This is what we all Should do.

[@lskyy]

Signing to Samantha "Hi, my name is Kelly" was SPOT ON, Kelly! I didn't know you have it in you. Thank you for bringing a little awareness about ASL. It'd be nice to see more Deaf guests on your show! Love ya, Kelly! 💜

[@elizabeth.tuihala]

I love how kelly is a mom and knows how wildn out kids can get and so it doesn’t bother her when kids come on her stage and go crazy & she’s like nah we good let em be lol... cus u know if this was another show ellen or sumtn u would see it in their face it annoys the ish outta em 🤣

[@sharesegathers7529]

That's why I started learning ASL; I had a new neighbor with a Deaf teenage daughter. She would come by my house kind of looking for a friend, so I asked her mom if she could teach me simple signs. I'm still far from an expert but we have lovely conversations together now.

[@gabbydavis6349]

She was so adorable walking around the set

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

It was cute how Security tried to put her back. 🤣

[@Naamy19X9]

ASL has just been added as the 12th official language of South Africa. I believe that they will start teaching it every school in the near future. What a time to be alive!

[@imdone3671]

“I see friends” 🥺

[@sittingindetroit9204]

My town has the deaf school (elementary, middle and high school) for the whole county. The deaf kids are in the same school as the hearing kids and many go back and forth between regular classrooms and those just for the deaf. The great thing is that the hearing kids are taught sign language starting in kindergarten. It is "mandatory" for the first few years but there are kids who take it throughout their educational experience. Yes, it does count as a foreign language for graduation.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

What a great idea your school has! Very heartwarming and inclusive-thinking. 💖

[@rachelel9087]

That's so cool! I'd have loved to learn ASL, but my school didn't offer it. I taught myself the alphabet as a Freshman, but that's about it.

[@lunam828]

SittingInDetroit that’s one of the coolest things I’ve heard👌good on them

[@sittingindetroit9204]

Rachel El My wife took in college for her language requirement and knew no one who was deaf. 7 years later she gave birth to our deaf son. I also knew no one that was deaf and her ability to quickly refresh her signing skills was great.

[@nangwinner4452]

What a heart-warming example of community for the inclusion of deaf people. We all have differences, and to meet these unique needs of your neighbors,, classmates, and total strangers is kindness personified ! I am reminded to take a class in sign language so that I can communicate in this beautiful population of my neighbors and new friends. Thank you for your example.

[@whitetigerfanatic]

Omg... .Can there be a heart emotion on this video?! Omg. I am profound deaf. I didn't have this kind of community at all. I couldn't learn ASL til much later in life. This would have been my dream community. Something like this is needed.. desired.. We need more people like these beautiful people. I am near to tears. I had a bad day today due to my anxiety. So.. To see Kelly sign.. to see little Sam sign.. My heart melts. I am near to tears. You are simply amazing, Kelly. I would love... LOVE to meet you and sign with you. To help you learn. I would listen to you. This only confirms that you are my idol even more. I followed you since day one of your career on American Idol. I am so proud to be one of your fans. So proud. I love you to bits. You made the perfect ending to my day.. Thank you ever so much. Thank you. I needed this. Little Sam, I love you ever so much, little cutie.. omg. You are so strong and so adorable.

[@darcy3478]

I hope you have a more beautiful & positive day today Tiffany ❤️ it is so sad that this isn't taught to every School or Community, I think it should be mandatory. I myself don't know Sign Language but this video & your message has made me want to learn, I did try many years ago as I was dating a guy with a deaf brother but he had hearing aids so he didn't use Sign Language 😔. I am currently going through a lot of health problems & I can no longer work which has really brought me down, I used to be a Care Assistant for 3 years but I suffered from a bad back & moved into a different career. Just over 2 years ago I had emergency surgery as I was almost paralysed, now I have just found out I have Thoracolumbar Scoliosis which has been getting worse over the 2 years 😢. I miss working as a Carer it was such a rewarding experience & I loved talking to all the people who I cared for, I have recently been thinking about writing some letters to the older people who live in the village I live in just to say if they ever need anything or just some company to give me a call. I can't do much anymore as I'm in pain daily, it's really starting to affect my mental health 😔, I'm used to helping others & I'm a social person so being cooped up in my house isn't good for me. I hope you are feeling better today, anxiety is a horrible thing, I'm glad this video helped you feel better. I always watch Kelly, Ellen, Idaho News Secret Santa ect videos when I'm having a bad day, yes I usually end up an emotional mess lol but it's so nice to see the good in the World ❤️. Take care & I wish you a positive future filled with love, laughter & kindness 😘

[@ElifNurMuhammad]

Stay strong 💗 you're awesome 🌹🌹

[@hamedmanoochehri5136]

"I see friends" did it for me. which part made you cry?

[@angelicat-m8236]

Don't cry. Don't cry. Don't cry. If you cry, you won't be able to focus on the story. ... 😭 It's so wholesome it hurts

[@Jennine2589]

I love how positive Kelly's show is and every time I tune in Iove to hear about these great things.

[@dianemoonstone4715]

Agree completely!

[@stephsmanicshenanigans8017]

Saw a lady who was deaf yesterday and she was struggling to communicate with a person but started to write things down. I used to know quite a bit of sign language but not anymore as I haven’t used it in a decade or more. But seeing her and seeing this makes me want to learn it again

[@leam7018]

This right here let's me know there are still decent human beings in the world 💖.

[@rsign37]

take note donald trump

[@SereniaSaissa]

Samantha is so adorable!! Just watching her running around the set, creating new experiences, recognizing people on the screen, but maybe wondering why she cannot touch them or why they don't answer her (because they cannot see her - they can only see a camera).

[@CKDeafCommunityLover]

Thank you Kelly Clarkson for making people around the world more aware of Deaf Culture and how important it is that all of us hearing people learn ASL! A long time ago in the 1800's in Martha's vineyard everyone knew sign language deaf and hearing alike and all events had ASL and it was so integrated that sometimes kids didn't realize that an individual was deaf because they were so normal and not out of the ordinary, that's how we should strive for the world to be now! Thank you for taking that extra step to show the world that it's time! It needs to be done! Kelly, I am a level 3 soon to be level 4 ASL student studying for an AA in Deaf studies and hoping to get in for an interpreters program for my bachelor's, you taking this step means a lot to the Deaf world and to those of us who care deeply about it like me! Thank you so much Kelly! You are changing the world!

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

Look at all the love they have for her. So very precious. She also is adorable. 🌹👑❤️

[@heatherpatterson4943]

God bless there community we need more communities like this God bless u all 🙏💗💋

[@JL-zn7me]

These days you’re lucky to get a “hello” from your neighbors, it’s definitely not like it use to be. I love the commitment, dedication and LOVE these neighbors!!! THIS is a story worth sharing! No matter where beautiful Sam goes in life when she’s grown… she will NEVER forget her “ friends “. 💜💝💜

[@tiafayed7545]

i love how the security guy or cam guy just picked her ip so sweet

[@ray7431]

i have two cousins who are deaf so sign language has always been close to my heart. there’s also a deaf man who goes to my church who i love dearly and it makes me sad not being able to communicate with them directly rather than having to rely on their family to translate. but this year, it is my goal to teach myself asl in hopes that i can one day communicate with them. 🧏🏻‍♀️🤟🏼

[@VaDonteWilliams]

Samantha's one cute little girl. Bless her.

[@danieltorres1974]

Sam is such a three year old. I love it.

[@matthewharjo7512]

I feel like learn signing now. Because you just never know when you’re going to encounter someone and need to communicate with them.

[@samantharovai7323]

How the hell do parents have a deaf child and not learn sign language? I don't get it, I really don't. But this segment was precious, on the light note

[@starshine9836]

I was in church and we have a ministry for the hearing impaired area in the congregation. I love to sit at the area and have a close up look and learned along the way. The one that struck me was how 'Jesus' is handsigned (middle finger tapping on the opposite palm on the left and right) . That's when I know, just like any other languages, the language has it's deeper meaning and it tells story and this, via a simple movement, tells of the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross. Such a beautiful language.

[@Buffalolil]

I love the girl's reaction to her friends.

[@konekostone]

I wish I had that little girl's energy! The things I could get done! 😂

[@ElisabethMount]

I really wish there were more free, high quality resources for learning ASL. It's literally the only thing on my 'bucket list' but apps haven't worked for me, and I can't afford the local college courses. I think that things such as CPR, First Aid and ASL should be free and accessible in all communities!

[@mxganturxer_]

Asl is truly a beautiful language. Learning ASL was one of my goals out of college, as I am in social work, and run into many people from the deaf/HOH community. I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to learn asl if you havent already.

[@GTSShannon]

Well-formed sentences for a 3-year-old child! I could understand what she was saying - remember, neighbor friends. I am impressed. Early intervention is important, and make sure they are exposed to language early. I was discovered that I was deaf at 6 months which was unheard of in the 1970s, and my parents made sure that we had communication access.

[@hibakamran3747]

I don't know why but it made me especially happy to see people in the audience speak(?) ASL. When they were clapping and trying to get Samantha to look at the monitors. Like Ah my heart.

[@ItsBumblebri]

EVERYONE SHOULD LEARN ASL!! I don't understand why all kids aren't taught it from a young age in school. I wish I had! So often I have interactions with people who are deaf and I wish I could communicate better! Asl isn't only used for people who are deaf either, a lot of kids and people with autism or speech issues will learn to sign to communicate as well!!

[@seymourbutts8921]

I love how the helpers behind the scenes of the show are so willing and enjoy being someone the little angel can play with or be “carried” back from the background

[@mkw6082]

How incredible these people are!!!

[@morenag.7769]

If you can take ASL in a class! Take it!!! You will not regret it! 🤟🏽

[@noralex3333]

So cute, God bless her

[@lindylindybasicoceangirl]

...I love this whole story...also glad this little one knows she is loved...a little puzzled that her parents seem oblivious to her roaming around-maybe they're nervous on tv... just amazed how Kelly has hinted several times and the little one is on her own...very epic the neighbors made such a huge effort to learn to sign...inspires me to do the same...love this show...

[@lucinda2329]

I don't think Kelly was hinting to Sam's parents...it seemed to me like she was just letting everyone know that Sam was being watched and would be safe. She even mentioned that Samantha was having her own experience of being on the set, so I don't think she really minded...

[@1sTEfFaniE1]

They were probably told to let her do her thing if she got restless, better to film a wondering toddler than a crying one.

[@su-rv2uq]

@@1sTEfFaniE1 except a "wandering" toddler can get hurt. I was surprised that she let the guy pick her up. Many kids would not. Though it is possible that she had met him earlier so knew who he was.

[@eskayh7734]

I have a differently-abled child (not deaf) and their experience on set would be similar even though they're older than Sam. They always walk around and explore new places before feeling comfortable enough to sit or stay in one area.

[@dwybravo14]

God bless them all :")

[@Charlie10266]

I LOOOOVE that Kelly signed!

[@divyadutt7953]

My brother is deaf and seeing this makes me so happy. The fact that everyone was willing to learn sign language to just communicate with her is so heartwarming. Thanks kelly for bringing this story and spreading that inclusivity is needed more than ever! Love your show and hope to see many many more seasons! ❤

[@jaiicee5270]

That's really lovely that little girl will grow up surrounded in love for life ❤️

[@chloeparker4488]

Well isn’t this just heart warming 😩🥰

[@melfigue2516]

I think its beautiful that theyre all learning ASL specialy her parents. Im very involved in the deaf community and I see many friends that feel unloved and isolated because their immediate family never learn the language of their heart. Theyre a beautiful example of what everyone with a deaf family member and or friend should do.

[@barbdrinkwater4887]

Thanks for doing this show i loved it i know sign language because my sister is deaf i was 8 when i learned sign language to communicate with her and when our mom and dad died she wanted to give up but i was always there for her and i still am i taught my daughter some sign language to speak to her aunt i am the baby sister taking care of one of my older siblings i just wanted to say this video was inspirational

[@cecefernandes5657]

I know some kids, teens and even adults who's parents never learned ASL to communicate with their deaf children, so this warms my heart❤ *Edit:* I love that they let the little girl just run around set and be playful💙

[@ApobangpoBorashae7]

I think what the community is doing is great especially when she become older and starts going out by herself, her parents will feel more comfortable knowing the fact that their daughter would be a able to communicate with people around

[@Bnathanb1982]

Kelly Clarkson has to be one of the most GENUINE people I have ever seen. She has been able to capitalize with the platform she has in order to spread a positive influence throughout the country in SO many different ways like the above story. It's refreshing to know that their are still good people left in this world---celebrity or not....

[@toniyalucas2670]

That was so precious when the worker picked her up lmao! He gives me pop pop vibes anyways. He definitely has some grandkids

[@adlyamat86]

WOW.. GREAT PEOPLE... LOVE THE COMMUNITY ..

[@vamanosninja4143]

It's cool that Kelly literally knows all the states and big cities because she tours them. So she can relate to all her fans around the country. Very cool.

[@beenzee2402]

Who is cutting onions??? She is so precious ❤️

[@kennethgoldsmith3851]

Wouldn’t it be nice to be kind. This world needs it

[@lisly1234]

ASL should be more widespread! I've been trying to learn it for a few years in my country but I haven't found where to take classes.I think it should be a mandatory foreign language in schools and colleges. Also, I have realized that deaf signing is not a universal language and it should be!

[@camilathesunshine3886]

I'm hard of hearing. This is amazing!

[@kingdee7192]

Same here brother

[@SereniaSaissa]

I am also hard of hearing but sadly in the 1960s, and 1970s, the emphasis was more on teaching me to speak clearly so that I could be mainstreamed into the public schools. I hated it because I missed half of everything the teacher said - especially when they were facing the chalk board with their back to the kids, or walking around the classroom. So I never learned any sign language at all.

[@camilathesunshine3886]

@@SereniaSaissa that sucks

[@kingdee7192]

@@SereniaSaissa you should go to aslpro.com to learn sign language. You won't know sign language overnight, it take time.

[@hopefranklin7037]

@@kingdee7192 and you also have to keep practicing too, to keep signing fluently. I'm hard of hearing as well. KZbin is ok with subtitles

[@msmiller9052]

I know a little ASL (but would love to learn more) I was waiting in line last year & a young boy who was deaf was selling signing books to try & earn money for his school. He couldn’t obviously communicate normally so he was handing a piece of paper to people in the line explaining that he was deaf and what his goal was. Everyone was so incredibly rude & dismissive to him. It pissed me off so bad. He got to me and I was able to sign to him that I’d buy his book. He literally got tears in his eyes. Then I signed that I was sorry for how the other people acted. I thanked him and gave him a hug. I hate it when people don’t treat people like they are people who have actual feelings.

[@shellydehart8217]

Kelly ur the greatest . I truly believe we all need a few lessons in ASL ... u’d be amazed just how many people r deaf or hard of hearing. It would be so wonderful if we had some knowledge of sign language to be able to communicate . I’m retired now but I worked with special children n many could not hear n I had to learn ASL quickly. ♥️😊

[@arrib528]

What a beautiful community, your content is so uplifting

[@beaub2409]

Soooooooooo wonderful! Precious little girl with loving friends

[@markieharper9991]

Kelly!!!!! You are awesome!!!

[@lianmara5909]

This is so heart warming.

[@sherrysamis5194]

Exceptionally touching!💖

[@princesslollypop7764]

That little girl is so cute

[@shanaedyer]

This is so beautiful. It's awesome that they learned it to communicate with her.

[@buckeyefangirl1976]

This is such a great story, a great thing for these folks to do for this precious little girl. God bless her and her family and these great people.❤👍

[@cecagjacobkhaob6443]

Thank you all for being a guardian and a loving friend for this lovely angel and her family!

[@shawnablueyes]

Cousins main lobster is the best food ever!!! The little girl is sooo cute

[@yancymichele]

Beautiful!!! Watch & Learn!!!

[@littlelou1811]

Awsome people!! Just heartwarming. This is what the world should be like all the time

[@mellissapote8217]

This is an amazing interview and little Samantha is absolutely beautiful!!

[@SiminaKiss]

That we love you made me cry😢❣️ beautiful🥰❣️

[@turkeyturds1]

Kelly, thank you for not only bringing the this wonderful, blessed story to us but more importantly your gift of this show to bring such amazing heartwarming stories for the whole world to see. Bless you 💖

[@spr15]

This is after a long time, I am seeing a group of kind people in real 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 I support lots of friends and family but nothing in person it's all on calls and social media. This is a learning lesson for me to be there with them.

[@tetrulz]

awwwww she is such a happy child. I am not crying, you are.

It is impossible not to love Kelly for finding those things that make us/me smile (and wet my eyes). Keep it up Kelly & crew!!!

[@jameswilson9553]

I have been moved so many times across the USA and I've known so many wonderful people in my lifetime and I can tell you that this is so rare and endearing.. I am 62 and very outspoken, everyone that I meet is a friend to me, never a stranger but I have never met a community like this.. God bless you Samantha and everyone..

[@shivanireddyaleti9750]

It's really very cool ,very encouraging and I personally feel inspired and motivated by this story. I really wish every community to be this helpful . When community is so good what else u want to feel it like a home.

[@tammyallen8205]

This is so Awesome to hear Kelly & Fans . What an Awesome& Great Story. I used to Teach Special Ed for High Schoolets & Middle Schoolers & Worked with my dear & great Family Friends & Stories like these " Show There Are Truly Good & Genuine Good People & Friends & Neighbors Who Truly Care About Others & Want To.Do Good & Help & Be A Blessing & Give A Helping Hand To Others. " GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO STRIVE TO DO GOOD. BE GOOD. AND ARE GENUINE GOOD & GREAT PEOPLE. AND GOD BLESS KELLY CLARKSTON BLACKSTONE & HER HUSBAND & KIDS &.FAMILY & LIFE & CAREER.

[@just_here_or_there]

Kids like to run on her stage

[@britskee03]

just_here_or_there 2019 kids like to run everywhere

[@katherineidanajar3804]

That’s so awesome n beautiful.. Samantha got the best people in her live. Keep updating few years. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe warm and healthy. Be kind to another

[@stacischuhmann]

This is awesome!!

[@britttaaannny]

i keep watching this video, it makes me so happy.

[@TheJoelyy]

That’s absolutely amazing. 💕

[@rsign37]

love the way you signed kelly.

[@theweaselhome]

This is so beautiful.

[@OO-bq1ff]

So great that this program mentions good news!

[@Brenda-Luwanda84]

Kelly for such a time as this ...you were created

[@myboybieberrox]

I'm from Boston! We love you over here Kelly!!

[@howielong2835]

She is adorable, what a great show! Boston Strong!

[@leonnidiallo9707]

She stole the show!!❤️😍

[@JackieHall71]

What an amazing community you all have. :)