New Hampshire School Embraces Sign Language to Support Deaf Student
April 4, 2026
A heartwarming initiative at a small New Hampshire school has turned a young boy’s challenges into a lesson in empathy and inclusivity, as the entire school community learns to communicate in sign language.
Reid Spring / CBS News
At Campton Elementary in Campton, New Hampshire, seven-year-old Ben O’Reilly, who is deaf and has additional special needs, experienced significant feelings of isolation. His aide, Cheryl Ulicny, observed that he found it difficult to connect with peers and teachers.
“He didn’t have relationships with his peers or teachers, for that matter,” Ulicny explained. “He was very alone. And he acted very alone.”
In a state like New Hampshire, which lacks a dedicated school for deaf students, Ben was the only deaf student in his district, posing communication challenges. However, a small act by a few students marked the beginning of a transformation.
A group of Ben’s classmates, including Reid Spring, initiated learning basic sign language to better communicate. Their act of friendship quickly inspired a widespread movement within the school.
“If he’s your friend, you can play with him, and he’s my friend,” said Reid.
As the entire class joined in, the initiative expanded throughout the school. Teachers from different grades also began learning sign language and incorporated it into their daily routines, even in Ben’s absence.
“It’s fun communicating with Ben and playing with him,” Reid added.
Ben’s adoptive mothers, Etta and Marlaina O’Reilly, were deeply touched by the school’s commitment to inclusion.
“It’s incredible,” said Etta. “I could barely breathe. Like it was just so overwhelming.”
Nearly every student and staff member at Campton Elementary now knows some sign language, fostering an environment where Ben feels visible, included, and understood.
