What is the Deaf Wisconsin French exchange?
The Deaf Wisconsin French Exchange is currently undergoing a name/logo change to reflect our expansion to include high school students from all across the USA. Our new name, Deaf Exchange - America/France Adventures (D.E.A.F. Adventures) will appear on our website, shortly. D.E.A.F. Adventures is a short term Deaf heritage style youth exchange trip to France designed exclusively for American high school aged youth for the purpose of experiencing historically significant Deaf places throughout France. Trip participants will have the opportunity to meet and interact with Deaf French youth and adults who use French Sign Language - LSF. Many of the general tourists attractions visited on the trip are selected based on participants' preferences and future career goals. On our Home Page, you can view many of the locations our former groups have visited.
The 2017 trip will be especially important for us Deaf Americans as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first Deaf school in America. We also are looking forward to adding a homestay visit and the International Deaf Festival - Clin d'Oeil.
An adult trip is also in the plans... stay tuned & contact us for more information!
The 2017 trip will be especially important for us Deaf Americans as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the first Deaf school in America. We also are looking forward to adding a homestay visit and the International Deaf Festival - Clin d'Oeil.
An adult trip is also in the plans... stay tuned & contact us for more information!
Who are we?
Rebecca Epple, Group Leader & Exchange Founder
Occupation: Teacher since 1995
Degrees: Bachelor of Science - Western Michigan University & Master of Arts in Deaf Education - Gallaudet University
Languages: ASL, LSF, English, French, Spanish, Universal Gestural Communication
Specific Training: Attended the Academy of French Sign Language, Paris - Summer 2012
Travel Experience: 25+ Countries, 250+ International Cites
Unique Skills: Licensed Open Water SCUBA Diver, author, movie crew, On-line teacher/tutor
The Photo: Since my eye is always behind the lens on our trips, I have few photos of myself!
I just love this authentic Paris moment.
Occupation: Teacher since 1995
Degrees: Bachelor of Science - Western Michigan University & Master of Arts in Deaf Education - Gallaudet University
Languages: ASL, LSF, English, French, Spanish, Universal Gestural Communication
Specific Training: Attended the Academy of French Sign Language, Paris - Summer 2012
Travel Experience: 25+ Countries, 250+ International Cites
Unique Skills: Licensed Open Water SCUBA Diver, author, movie crew, On-line teacher/tutor
The Photo: Since my eye is always behind the lens on our trips, I have few photos of myself!
I just love this authentic Paris moment.
Keith
Chaperone: 2011
Occupation: Educational Sign Language Interpreter
Degrees: Associates degree in Educational Interpreting from North Central Technical College, Wausau, WI and Bachelors degree in Sign Language Interpreting in Education from Sienna Height's University, Adrian, Michigan
"A trip of a lifetime."
Chaperone: 2011
Occupation: Educational Sign Language Interpreter
Degrees: Associates degree in Educational Interpreting from North Central Technical College, Wausau, WI and Bachelors degree in Sign Language Interpreting in Education from Sienna Height's University, Adrian, Michigan
"A trip of a lifetime."
Karen
Occupation: Teacher
Specific Training: Attended the Academy of French Sign Language, Paris - Summer 2012
Occupation: Teacher
Specific Training: Attended the Academy of French Sign Language, Paris - Summer 2012
Cheryl
Chaperone: 2013
Occupation: Teacher
"I just fell in love with the La Balme area! I have not laughed this hard in a long time!"
Chaperone: 2013
Occupation: Teacher
"I just fell in love with the La Balme area! I have not laughed this hard in a long time!"
What Parents & Participants are Saying . . .
"Thank you so much for providing this truly ONCE IN A LIFETIME experience. "B." will remember this his entire life!" - C
"My best memory was joking with Marc (President of the Laurent Clerc Museum) from Lyon. I can't wait to go back!" - B
"I wish there was some kind of award for your hard work in organizing this amazing trip! My son had a blast!" - C
"I just fell in love with the whole Lyon experience!" - C
Overlooking the Laurent Clerc family residence from the cliff high above the village and with tears running down his cheeks, "T" said, "I wish all the kids could see this! We have to have a reunion in La Balme!" - T
"I really like the Paris students that I met. We have been using Skype often and have become good friends. My LSF has really improved. We are planning to host them (in Wisconsin) some time soon. " - M
"My best memory was joking with Marc (President of the Laurent Clerc Museum) from Lyon. I can't wait to go back!" - B
"I wish there was some kind of award for your hard work in organizing this amazing trip! My son had a blast!" - C
"I just fell in love with the whole Lyon experience!" - C
Overlooking the Laurent Clerc family residence from the cliff high above the village and with tears running down his cheeks, "T" said, "I wish all the kids could see this! We have to have a reunion in La Balme!" - T
"I really like the Paris students that I met. We have been using Skype often and have become good friends. My LSF has really improved. We are planning to host them (in Wisconsin) some time soon. " - M