Helping Hands At Cda Library New Interpreter Russ Patterson To Help Deaf People Access Materials

Russ Patterson’s hands fill the Coeur d’Alene Public Library with words.

As the library’s new interpreter for the deaf, Patterson is a direct link between the deaf and knowledge.

“My role is to help the deaf community access reference materials,” Patterson said Tuesday.

He replaces Donna Helmer, who recently retired after working as interpreter for the deaf since 1993.

This liaison work isn’t new to Patterson, a former dean at the Washington State School for the Deaf.

Born in Vancouver, Wash., to deaf parents, Patterson, who hears, said American Sign Language is his first language.

His hands, known for their fluid gestures, remain remarkably still as he tells of being raised by deaf parents. Because hearing impairments are hereditary in his father’s lineage, Patterson said, three-fourths of his family members are deaf.

Although his stereo’s volume challenged the sound barrier without parental question, Patterson said his folks were very intuitive and kept their three children in line.

“It was a very normal childhood,” Patterson said. “My parents worked, my father built our house, we had horses and rode dirt bikes.”

Many people, especially in small towns, still embrace stigmas about the deaf and are awed to hear they can drive, raise families and work, he said.

“It’s part of my heritage,” Patterson said about his membership in the deaf community. “It’s something I’m very proud of.”

That’s why Library Director Julie Meier said Patterson is a good match for the job. He has close ties to the deaf community and lengthy experience as an interpreter, she said.

Patterson’s smile reveals the pride as he signs to several people visiting the library Tuesday afternoon. Patterson said he knows of about 45 deaf people in the area and wants to locate others. Outreach is definitely a part of his job.

Besides leading the library’s deaf club and interpreting for patrons, Patterson wants to set up a network for interpreters. Not all interpreters can sign in all situations, such as medical visits, Patterson said. The deaf need to know how to contact an interpreter to meet their needs.

He also wants the library to offer sign language classes. Patterson said the skill is becoming more common, especially since more deaf students are attending public schools rather than schools for the deaf. As a teacher in both situations, Patterson said he sees the benefit of each.

Last year, Patterson worked for the Coeur d’Alene school district as an interpreter. He will continue working as a youth specialist at Anchor House, a local home for troubled boys.

The largest challenge for the deaf is access to information and services, in addition to educating the public about the hearing impaired, Patterson said.

Because Coeur d’Alene lacks a community center for the deaf, the library offers some of these educational services.

“It’s an invisible disability,” Patterson said. “You can’t tell by looking at someone that they’re deaf. Hearing aids are visible, but a person wearing one isn’t always deaf.”

He said the library has done a lot to assist the deaf, but that it “needs to keep the ball rolling.”

Patterson will also assist the blind, helping them to access similar services.

His office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. until noon.