When I was at Frederick High School, I started taking sign language classes with a hearing teacher. I was really successful because I am a visual learner. So, I wanted to continue improving my signing abilities at FCC by taking several ASL classes, earning my ASL certificate and eventually becoming a sign language interpreter.
My first experience with a Deaf instructor at FCC was in my Visual and Gestural Communication class. It was a much quieter environment. The class attended Deaf events like a voice-off dinner at Golden Corral and the Beauty and the Beast play at Maryland School for the Deaf. There were Deaf students acting on stage with voice interpreters. This was an enjoyable way to learn more about the Deaf community.
In ASL 1 – ASL 4, I learned the proper sentence structure of American Sign Language since ASL is completely different from English. In Intro to Deaf Community and Deaf History online, I have learned the importance of the Deaf community and how Deaf people come together as a cultural minority group to communicate using sign language. Also, Deaf people are NOT considered disabled. They just have their own way of communicating. We learn about Deaf people from movies like Children of a Lesser God, or TV shows like Switched at Birth. Also, seeing a Deaf person dancing on Dancing with the Stars raises awareness about what Deaf people can do. Now, I’m taking American Deaf Culture and learning about technology and how it can help bridge the communication gap with technologies like video relay services.
Currently, I am trying to reestablish the Read My Hands Club to provide an opportunity for practicing conversational sign language. So, please contact the club advisor Professor Martin at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.
