Hand and Heart

08/04/2026

Did you know that most Deaf children are born to hearing parents? This means many Deaf kids grow up in homes where FSL (Filipino Sign Language) isn’t naturally spoken, which can make early language exposure a real challenge. 💛

Early access to FSL is crucial as it shapes brain development, supports cognitive growth, and lays the foundation for communication, literacy, and learning. Without it, many Deaf children face delays in school, social connection, and self-expression.

Language is access, not a privilege. Every Deaf child deserves the tools, support, and opportunities to thrive and that starts with FSL from day one. Let’s break barriers, support families, and advocate for inclusive education. 🤍

𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨
Kushalnagar, P., Mathur, G., & Moreland, C. J. (2010). Infants and children with hearing loss need early language access. Journal of Clinical Ethics, 21(2), 143–154.

Hall, W. C., Levin, L., & Anderson, M. L. (2017). Language acquisition for deaf children: Reducing the harms of zero tolerance to the use of alternative approaches. Child Development Perspectives, 11(2), 87–92.

Lederberg, A. R., & Golbach, T. (2002). Parent–child interactions and early language development in deaf children: Implications for intervention. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 7(3), 208–219.

01/04/2026

🤟 Is sign language universal?

No. Just like spoken languages, sign languages are different around the world. Each one has its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural context.

For example, American Sign Language and Filipino Sign Language are two distinct languages. Even if both use hand movements and facial expressions, their sentence structure, signs, and meanings are not the same. A Deaf person who uses ASL may not automatically understand someone using FSL.

Sign languages also develop naturally within Deaf communities, shaped by history, culture, and social interaction just like spoken languages. This is why many countries recognize their own national sign languages to support communication, education, and equal access to information.

In the Philippines, Republic Act No. 11106 recognizes Filipino Sign Language as the national sign language, promoting its use in schools, government services, broadcast media, and workplaces. This helps ensure that Deaf Filipinos can communicate and participate fully in society using their natural language.

Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the richness of Deaf culture and why respecting and recognizing local sign languages is essential for true inclusion and accessibility. 🌍🤟

25/03/2026

👄 Can all Deaf people lip-read?

Not necessarily. Lip-reading can be very challenging and often inaccurate, and only a small portion of spoken language can be understood this way.

That’s why accessible communication—like sign language, visual supports, and inclusive practices—is essential to ensure Deaf individuals can fully participate and connect with others. 💙

True inclusion means making communication possible for everyone.

21/03/2026

Hand in hand, heart to heart—and with our shoes ready! 👟🧡

​Our booth as Hand & Heart is officially part of the Best Buddies Friendship Walk tomorrow! We believe in the power of community and the beauty of things made with care. 🎨

​Stop by our booth this Sunday, March 22 to see what we’ve been working on and to support a more inclusive world.

Visit https://bestbuddiesph.org/friendship-walk-2026/ to Register! ​See you at the starting line! 👋🏠

19/03/2026

Ready to make healthcare more inclusive?

Join our Deaf Awareness with Basic Filipino Sign Language (FSL) Workshop designed for healthcare professionals who want to provide more inclusive, patient-centered care.

✨ Learn Deaf culture
✨ Use basic FSL in medical settings
✨ Build better patient connections

April 11, 2026
1 PM to 5 PM
Summit Center,31C Galleria Regency Pasig city

Be part of inclusive healthcare. Register now.

Register here —-> https://forms.gle/YToKacvXtBQiSKjd9

18/03/2026

Every child deserves to learn in a language they understand and feel at home with.

Through RA 10533 (Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013), Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is recognized as the mother tongue of Deaf learners, helping make education more inclusive and accessible. This recognition supports Deaf students in learning, expressing themselves, and participating fully in the classroom.

When education speaks the learner’s language, learning becomes more meaningful. 💛

12/03/2026

We are so incredibly proud of Chindee Cruz, a talented Deaf professional referred by our team, has officially joined Carelon Service+!

​At Hand&Heart, we believe that talent knows no bounds. Seeing Chindee excel in an inclusive workspace is exactly why we do what we do.

Congratulations, Chindee! We can't wait to see all the amazing things you’ll achieve.

11/03/2026

Declutter with intention and create impact ♻️📚

In partnership with Clean Greenius and Hand & Heart PH, we’re excited to invite you to Circulate the Stories: A Community Book Swap!

Bring your pre-loved books to find new homes, and join us in supporting Deaf education and meaningful work opportunities.

With a ₱300 door fee, all proceeds are donated to Hand & Heart PH. Every contribution spreads kindness and opportunity. 💚

Let’s circulate abundance, stories, and goodwill together. ✨

What if decluttering your books could also create impact?

We’re gathering for Circulate the Stories, a community book swap where books find new readers and new purpose.

Bring 1–5 books to swap
Bring more if you’d like to donate.

Donation books will support literacy initiatives through Let's Read and Library Hub Philippines, while proceeds will help empower the deaf community through Hand & Heart PH.

Hosted by Clean Greenius, in partnership with Wishcraft Social Fund, this gathering is about practicing intentional decluttering, circulating stories, and building community.

Limited slots available.

Register here: bit.ly/circulatestories

11/03/2026

Language is more than words—it is identity, culture, and connection. 🤟

Through Republic Act No. 11106, Filipino Sign Language (FSL) is recognized as the national sign language of the Philippines, affirming the right of Deaf Filipinos to communicate in their natural language.

This law also supports the use of FSL in education, government services, broadcast media, and workplaces, encouraging institutions to provide interpreters and accessible communication. By promoting FSL, the law recognizes not only a language but also the culture, identity, and lived experiences of the Deaf community in the Philippines.

Recognizing and using FSL helps ensure that Deaf Filipinos have equal access to information, learning, and opportunities, allowing them to participate fully in society. It is an important step toward a more inclusive and accessible Philippines for all.

Because inclusion begins when everyone is heard—and understood. 💛

🤟

08/03/2026

This International Women’s Day, we honor the extraordinary Deaf women whose courage, talent, and advocacy have shaped history and strengthened the Deaf community. 💜🤟

Helen Keller proved to the world that deafblind individuals can break barriers in education, writing, and global advocacy. Her work inspired generations to fight for disability rights and equal opportunities.

Laura Redden Searing, a Deaf poet and journalist, used her writing to demonstrate that Deaf individuals have powerful voices in literature and media. Her work helped challenge the misconceptions surrounding Deafness during her time.

Gertrude Galloway dedicated her life to advancing Deaf leadership and representation. As an influential advocate, she worked tirelessly to strengthen organizations within the Deaf community and empower Deaf women to take on leadership roles.

Marlee Matlin, an award-winning Deaf actress, made history as the first Deaf performer to win an Academy Award. Through her career in film and television, she continues to advocate for authentic Deaf representation in media and greater accessibility in the entertainment industry.

Their achievements remind us that Deaf women have always been pioneers, leaders, and changemakers. Today, we celebrate their legacy and continue advocating for accessibility, equality, and recognition for Deaf women everywhere.

08/03/2026

Something’s infusing! 🍵

A quick look back at our collaboration with Yi Fang Philippines for FSL. Last January 17, 2026, when we held our One-Day Basic Filipino Sign Language Workshop.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Hand & Heart in supporting our goal of creating more inclusive and accessible workplaces. Together, we continue to break barriers and open doors.

02/03/2026

We will have our one-day FSL class this weekend at Multilingual Inc. office in San Juan.
Slots are still open so enroll now!!