Entire School Learns Sign Language So Deaf First Grader Never Feels Alone

April 4, 2026

A small school in New Hampshire turned one boy’s loneliness into a powerful lesson in kindness by learning how to speak his language.

Reid Spring / CBS News

Seven-year-old Ben O’Reilly, a first grader at Campton Elementary in Campton, New Hampshire, is deaf and has additional special needs. Until recently, his days at school were marked by isolation. His aide, Cheryl Ulicny, said he struggled to connect with those around him.

“He didn't have relationships with his peers or teachers, for that matter,” Ulicny explained. “He was very alone. And he acted very alone.”

Part of the challenge came from the setting itself. New Hampshire is one of the few states without a dedicated school for deaf students, and Ben is the only deaf child in his entire district. Outside of his aide, there was almost no one he could communicate with.

Then something remarkable began to happen.

A few classmates, including Reid Spring, started learning simple signs so they could interact with Ben. What began as a small gesture of friendship quickly grew into something much bigger.

“If he's your friend, you can play with him, and he's my friend,” Reid said.

Soon, the entire class joined in. Students committed to learning sign language together, and the effort spread throughout the school. Teachers in other grades began taking classes and using sign language regularly, even when Ben was not present.

“It’s fun communicating with Ben and playing with him,” Reid added.

When Ben’s adoptive mothers, Etta and Marlaina O’Reilly, learned how the school had embraced their son, they were overwhelmed with emotion.

“It’s incredible,” Etta said. “I could barely breathe. Like it was just so overwhelming.”

Today, nearly every student and staff member knows at least some sign language. More importantly, they have created an environment where Ben feels seen, included, and understood.

Watch the video below: