Mallory and Anja
NC START (North Carolina Systemic Therapeutic Assessment Resources and Treatment) is a statewide program that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who also have complex behavioral or mental health needs. Easterseals PORT Health provides the services for the NC START Central Region that includes crisis response support, training, consultation and resources.
Mallory (pictured on left) has worked for Easterseals PORT Health for more than five years and is currently our NC START Resource Center Director. Prior to this role, she was a job coach with our Supported Employment team and helped Anja get a job with the NC START team. Today, these friends both enjoy supporting individuals through the NC START program.
Anja (pictured on right) is our NC START Administrative Assistant. She has been Deaf since birth and uses both American Sign Language (ASL) and German Sign Language (DGS) to communicate. She describes sign language as “a rich visual language that communicates through hand gestures, facial expressions, body motions and space use.” It’s integral to how she navigates the world. “On my first day of work at NC START, I was amazed that some of my colleagues had learned ASL to enhance our communication. This was a refreshing change from my experiences in Germany, where such efforts were rare,” says Anja. “Their continued dedication is particularly meaningful to me because it showcases understanding and how effective communication can enhance working relationships.”
Mallory’s journey into the world of sign language began when she was Anja’s job coach. Mallory is not an ASL interpreter by profession but was committed to breaking down the communication barriers Anja faced. Over the years, Anja has patiently taught Mallory the basics of ASL, starting with fingerspelling and essential signs. This learning process has enhanced their communication and deepened Mallory’s understanding of the Deaf community’s challenges. Mallory believes learning to sign can bridge communication gaps and encourages others to start with fingerspelling and utilizing online resources and classes to build their skills.
Throughout her life, Anja has encountered many misconceptions about the Deaf community, including the belief that ASL and English are the same and that shouting will help a Deaf person understand. Anja frequently finds herself explaining that “sign language is not universal; different sign languages have distinct vocabularies, syntax and grammatical structures.” She also challenges the stereotype that Deaf people cannot drive, emphasizing that such misconceptions limit understanding. Looking to the future, Anja dreams of greater societal support and inclusion where the Deaf community is genuinely understood and supported. “Learning basic sign language can significantly bridge communication gaps and inclusiveness,” she notes. Additionally, Anja advocates for using “clear and straightforward language” in writing and speaking while also respecting every individual’s communication preferences.
Easterseals PORT Health is striving to become an IDEAL organization, one that is Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, Authentic and committed to Learning. Our diverse and inclusive culture
leverages the unique strengths, perspectives and viewpoints of our team members. Thank you Anja, for sharing your lived experiences as a Deaf individual and Mallory for learning new skills to be more understanding and inclusive. You are an inspiration to us all!
ABOUT US
Easterseals PORT Health is a trustworthy, compassionate partner providing exceptional disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. Purpose, dedication and empathy drive our in-person and telehealth service delivery. Our diverse and inclusive 2,600 member team provides more than 10.2 million hours of meaningful support to 40,200 kids, adults and families in 11,000 home, facility and community locations across North Carolina and Virginia. Learn more at eastersealsPORT.com.
