The Value of Learning ASL to Engage with Children with Disabilities

To better appreciate all perspectives, SDC acknowledges our need to amplify and listen to those in the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Hearing people must strive to continually learn from those within the Deaf and hard of hearing community as their voices are immensely powerful, valuable, and deserve further recognition. A desire to learn from and about this richly cultured community and people group enables one to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate our differences. This further discourages intolerance and bigotry among hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing children.

Now, how can we then build this kind of relationship between communities? 

First, both Deaf and hearing communities must partner to communicate effectively. Yet, hearing individuals must realize that the Deaf community is commonly put in a position where they must read lips, meaning hearing people should learn ASL (American Sign Language) or adjust to communicate with a deaf or hard of hearing individual to also meet them in the middle. Especially as it grows increasingly difficult to read lips with the usage of face masks, SDC encourages able hearing individuals to utilize quarantine and their free time to learn ASL. 

Why is learning ASL helpful?

Learning ASL, much like learning other languages, provides a lens through which Deaf and hard of hearing people interpret life. This furthermore opens the door to appreciate aspects of Deaf culture that one might normally miss. By learning ASL, a platform or starting point is also provided to develop meaningful relationships with those in the Deaf and hard of hearing community; hence, learning ASL enables one to communicate more easily and effectively while also demonstrating a desire to reach out to those who are deaf and hard of hearing. Moreover, even learning very basic phrases (which only takes about ½ hour) helps to normalize non-verbal forms of communication and deter feelings of frustration. This is especially helpful to aid, mentor or teach children while they still develop means to regulate their emotions.

 Where can I access programs to learn ASL? 

         Generally, free programs and videos on YouTube are great for beginners, though more in-depth courses can range in costs. Gaudet University offers a range of free courses for beginners as well as paid courses for advanced learners. The American Sign Language University (ASLU) also offers all free courses. Check out this article to identify which course is best suited for you and/or your family! For more casual learning, you can download the ASL Dictionary App on Apple devices, The ASL App, ASL Translator or more in your Appstore.