At Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Guatemala, communication does not always happen through words. Beatriz* discovered this a few years ago, when sign language became her gateway to the world — and today, alongside the team that supports her, she continues building her path toward independence.
Beatriz* saying “I love you” in sign language.
Her Story
Beatriz* has been an NPH Guatemala beneficiary since June 27, 2019. Since joining, she has received sign language therapy, which has significantly strengthened her communication skills. Throughout this process, she has shown meaningful progress, given that she was born with hearing loss. The support she has received over the years has helped her navigate different social settings, alongside academic guidance aimed at strengthening her abilities and expanding her opportunities for growth.
In 2024, she came of age and was moved to the Transition Home, a space in NPH Guatemala designated for young adults. She is currently approaching her 21st birthday.
Her path toward independence
Over the three years she has been part of the Transition Program, Beatriz* has made significant strides in her journey toward autonomy. She travels independently to her school and, as part of her Year of Service (a year during which young people help out in various areas of the home as a way of giving back for the support they have received), volunteers three days a week in the kitchen at Casa San Andrés — an experience that has helped her build practical skills, strengthen her sense of responsibility, and gain greater independence in her daily life.
One of her most meaningful academic achievements this year was completing her basic education level at the LAVOSI school for the deaf, through the National Alternative Education Program (PRONEA) — an important milestone that broadens her opportunities for personal, academic, and social inclusion.
Overall, Beatriz* is a capable, responsible young woman, committed to her duties and always eager to learn — a reflection of her steady progress toward a more independent life.
«For me, learning sign language was not just something I wanted, it was my chance to communicate with the world. I took classes and sign language therapy sessions. Being given the opportunity to learn sign language gave me the foundation to become independent. About inclusion I would like to tell others that when we are given opportunities, trust, and the right tools, we can achieve great things.»
In the eyes of those who support her
Leticia, a Social Worker at NPH Guatemala, also learned sign language — and her experience offers another perspective on what this skill means for NPH’s mission:
I began studying sign language in September 2021, while in my second year of my Social Work degree. I thought it would be an important tool for my profession, since it would let me serve as a bridge for the needs, dreams, and hopes of the Deaf community. I trained through the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels at En-Señas Guatemala. Since then, I’ve had the chance to meet and communicate with deaf individuals, which has helped me understand that there are many ways to communicate: through hands and gestures, we can also listen, feel, and connect with another person.
All of this matters because NPH’s goal is for every child, adolescent, young person, and adult with a disability to grow up in a safe, loving environment with the opportunities they need to reach their full potential and feel like part of a family. To provide truly comprehensive care, our team needs to prepare and explore different ways of communicating with them. Sign language allows us to connect, to understand their needs, feelings, and wishes, and to help break down communication barriers — ultimately letting them know that their voice matters, their feelings matter, and that they belong to our family.
About inclusion I would like to tell others that many people with disabilities have so much to express. If we are willing to support their growth and well-being, we can start with small actions: learning, listening, being present, and finding ways to be that bridge — one that lets them share their ideas, their needs, and their dreams.
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Learning sign language is not just about learning a different way to communicate; it is about opening a door to inclusion, respect, and diversity. It is a way of telling someone: “I want to understand you, I want to hear you, and your voice matters, too.” In doing so, we build a world where no one feels excluded because of how they communicate.
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*Name has been changed for privacy purposes.
