Sheffield, MA, September 13, 2026. This event welcomes Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing children, families and guests. Join Willie Ross School for the Deaf at Le Petit Ranch on Sunday, September 13, from 2:00–4:00 PM for a special inclusive family event created in collaboration with Hillary Baack, a Deaf educator and American Sign Language teacher.
* This welcoming two-hour ranch experience is designed for families who use ASL for Deaf and nonverbal children, as well as hearing families who would like to learn ASL and become more inclusive.
* Through animal-assisted education and hands-on ASL activities, families will learn how to introduce themselves and the animals, practice simple signs together, enjoy songs and storytime in ASL, and connect with the ranch animals in a thoughtful, sensorial and meaningful way.
* Families will learn all about their animals (mini horses, mini donkeys, guinea pigs, sheep, chicken) in ASL, enjoy ASL storytime and songs, do some arts and crafts (fiber and wool work) and connect with live ranch animals in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
* “Learn how to introduce yourself and the animals in ASL
Practice simple signs together
Enjoy songs and storytime in ASL
Connect with gentle animals in a meaningful way
A welcoming accessible event for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families”
* The goal is to create a space where children and families can communicate, learn from one another, and feel included—while discovering how animals can support connection beyond spoken language.
Registration is required.
