BROKEN ARROW, Okla. — Masks are turning out to be a language barrier for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Facial expressions and mouth movements are key parts of communication for that community. There are problems when a mask is in the way. A group of Oklahomans are sewing up a new design -- a face mask with clear material over the mouth.
The people making these are part of the Facebook group called Masks for Oklahoma. They have over 200 requests for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) masks. Their first order was from the Happy Hands Education Center.
Jan Pride, executive director for Happy Hands, said, “Their communication has to be in person. They're lip reading, they're watching facial expressions."
Falyn Harris is the Masks for Oklahoma co-admin. She said, "It's something that's near and dear to our heart a little bit. When I saw it, I wanted to take it on."
Harris says her mask-making group is donation-based and they are looking for volunteers.
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