hair salon and hearing about her career.

“Those young ladies in West Philadelphia need to understand
differences and not be afraid,” said McBratney, 67, who also works
fulltime for Independence Blue Cross. “With Glenna, there’s a lot
of animation and energy because she’s a straight shooter. There’s au-
thenticity along with her expertise.”
Shire talked to the girls about what deaf people are like, and bust-
ed the myths that persist about deaf culture. She also taught them
some American Sign Language (ASL).

“My particular thrust was to show that there are differences [be-
tween people] but that it doesn’t have to be a bad thing,” Shire said.

“It can be a valuable thing.”
By explaining the various ways that deaf people process infor-
mation, she said, “it shows there are all different kinds of listening.

Not every deaf person signs. I showed them how difficult it can be
to lip read, how tiring it can be. We talked about the accommoda-
tions that deaf people have to have to level the playing the field.

They got to see that everyone does things in a different way, but it
doesn’t have to be weird or bad. Respect was an important value.”
The girls tried some sign language for themselves and seemed
to enjoy it.

“ASL is done on the hands, and it’s a very expressive language,”
Shire said. “It’s a nice way to show you can express your feelings in
a different manner, rather than lashing out.”
McBratney believed Spire’s visit made a big difference.

“I think what they thought a deaf person was like changed —
they appreciated that a deaf person wants to dance, too,” she said.

“[Now, after Glenna’s visit], they wouldn’t let fear prevent them from
making a friend.”
McBratney also thought that Shire’s age was an advantage,
prompting the girls to think about their own future plans.

“Here’s Glenna — was she always a doctor? How did she do it?
I think [it’s good] seeing a person who has come through a career
but also balanced that with children or grandchildren and has retired
to do something good.”
Older adults, McBratney said, suggest to kids that “there’s a cit-
izenship — there’s a giving back to other people.”
Major Philip Ferreira, director of operations for the Salvation
Army of Philadelphia, agrees.

“We consider volunteers very valuable to us. Older people bring
a lot to the table,” he said. “Senior volunteers — regardless of
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