CCEC: Recent Activities - The Nellie Zimmerman Story

Walking Free: The Nellie Zimmerman Story
May 19, 2002

Woman standing in center signing with ASL, a woman and man seated behind her and a large group of residents in front.
The inspirational story of Nellie Zimmerman was told to residents of Columbus Colony Elderly Care by the authors of Walking Free: The Nellie Zimmerman Story. The three-member panel included Emily Street Hensel who helped with the stories in the book. Emily was a long-time companion of Nellie Zimmerman.

Woman standing and reading while another woman signs to a group in the audience. Man standing telling a story.
Co-authors Rosezelle Boggs-Qualls (left photo, center) and Rev. Dr. Daryl C. Greene (right), give accounts from the book on the life of Nellie Zimmerman. Susan gives ASL interpretations (left).

Nellie was described by Dr. Greene as the Helen Keller in this era. Born with both sight and hearing, Nellie lost both senses by the time she was 22 years old. After many years of institutionalized care, Nellie overcame many obstacles including the ability to communicate in public. With Emily's support, Nellie studied at Malone College, became a well-known lecturer, and worked as a life skills instructor for Deaf and Deaf/Blind boys at the New Life Group Home in Massilon. Through time she was recognized at the state and national levels for her accomplishments.

Woman standing and signing ASL to the right. Another interpreter stands to the left. A man and woman are seated between them.
Emily Street Hensel gives an account of Nellie Zimmerman's life to the residents of CCEC. Some residents knew Nellie, she was a resident at Columbus Colony from 1980 until her death in 1994.

For more information on the book, Walking Free: The Nellie Zimmerman Story, go to web site link by clicking on the book at the right.

The book is available through Amazon.com books with a link off the web site.

Picture of the cover of the book Walking Free. Woman in center of book as a cameo photo with newspaper headlines surrounding picture on face of book.

Previous activities at CCEC
2001 in Review