Independent Living
The Whole Family Project
About the Program
Since 1999, The Whole Family Project has provided sign language instruction to families with children (birth to age 12) who are deaf, hard of hearing, or nonverbal due to conditions like Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, or Apraxia. The Whole Family Project trainings are led by Micki Keck.
Family Responsibilities
Qualified tutors, including interpreters, Deaf individuals, and family members of Deaf individuals, tailor lessons to each family’s unique communication needs.
A resource library with sign language textbooks, Deaf culture materials, and ASL videos is also available.
The Whole Family Project also connects families to additional services like advocacy, referrals, and community education.
- Attend weekly sessions (rescheduling allowed for valid reasons)
- Be punctual and prepared, with at least one parent present at every session
- Practice vocabulary weekly and log progress
- Commit to the 2-year program but may withdraw at any time
Meet Your Organizer
Micki Keck
Email: mkeck@thewholeperson.org
About Micki
Michele ‘Micki’ Keck, a fourth-generation Deaf individual, was raised in a mixed Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing family in Kansas City, MO.
She attended the Kansas School for the Deaf, Gallaudet University, and McDaniel College. With over 25 years of experience teaching ASL and Deaf Studies, Micki now serves as an Independent Living Advocate–Deaf Services at The Whole Person.
Get Started
If you are interested in joining the program or are an individual fluent in sign language and would like to know about tutoring opportunities, reach out to The Whole Person to get started!