Baby Sign Language: About Me

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Megan Hubbard, DPT

What are Baby Signs?
Why Should I Use Baby Signs?
How Do I Use Them?
What Are The Benefits?
Resources

Sign Language Interest

I became interested in baby sign language about 15 years ago when I took a sign language class in college. As a physical therapist, I have had exposure to all ages of people that, for one reason or another, cannot verbally express themselves. Sign language is a natural way to solve this problem. At the pediatric hospital I interned in, I had the opportunity to use sign language with severall of our infants and toddlers as a means of communication.

When we had our second child, I bought a book specifically targeted to babies and sign language. (OK, who I am kidding... I bought several books!!!) I started using the signs with Zack when he was about 10 months old and I saw him use his first sign (milk) when he was 10 months. Up until this point, my husband thought I was nuts. Now he thinks it's pretty neat that Zack can ask for things before he can say the word. At 19 months, Zack uses about 10 - 12 signs. While this may not seem like a lot (compared to the number of words he knows), I really do believe that he is reaping all the benefits of the program! I would also like to point out that he cannot yet say ANY of the words that he signs. This means he really is communicating with us in two ways. My husband recently asked me when I was planning on starting signing with our daughter (7 months). I started using the "milk" sign with her the other day!

Brief Bio
I currently work as a Home Health Therapist for Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, VA. Before that, I was a Senior Physical Therapist at Culpeper Regional Hospital in Culpeper, VA. I worked in both in the acute and outpatient settings there since 1996. I treat patients ranging in age from the premature baby on up.

Education
I graduated from Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY in 1996 with my Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. I completed my Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2005.

Certifications
Virginia Physical Therapy License
Emergency Medical Technician
CPR

Professional Interests I treat a wide variety of patient types, but my clinical interests lie in the fields of wound care, geriatrics and pediatrics.

My personal love of golf has also encouraged me to pursue continuing education in the treatment and prevention of golf injuries.

I hope someday to open my own clinic.