By Margaret Miloch
Students at Guyer High School were interviewed about their participation in the American Sign Language (ASL) program. In order to take ASL at Guyer High School, students have to be in their sophomore year. American Sign Language is an important skill to know and learn in order to communicate with the deaf community. Mrs. Michelle Weese, the ASL teacher, works hard not only at her classes, but with the ASL club. They organize events, parties, and fundraisers to benefit the hard of hearing community.
In an interview with Madison Norrid, Elizabeth Joslyn, and Presley Madden, students in Weese’s class, they shared an insight to this form of communication. Sign Language is the ability to express ideas without using words and it is used worldwide. In the United States, ASL is the third most commonly used language, after English and Spanish. As reported by the Commission on the Deaf and Hard Hearing.
ASL is not necessarily a hard language to learn as long as effort is put in, Madison said. “I’m glad I learned ASL because it will help me in the future,” she added. For those who want to learn ASL, the class is a good place to start. “I love being able to communicate with the deaf community. I think ASL is such a unique language and I’m so happy I decided to learn it,” shared Presley. The ASL class encourages students to learn and use this language as a communication tool.
“It is truly a beautiful language to learn,” said Elizabeth. ASL is a bridge that connects us to the world of those who have impaired hearing; or a verbal communication disability. By learning ASL, people can effectively connect with individuals who are deaf and improve relationships with them. ASL provides an amazing communication tool, not only to communicate with the deaf community but also to communicate with people in general. “Students who participate in the class and learn about this amazing language have life-long skills that will help them in the future,” said Madison.
The students interviewed agreed that ASL is a diverse and rich language to learn. Learning sign language shows the deaf community that they are not forgotten and they can have the same access to communication as the rest of the world. Everyone has the right to be heard and express themselves. Sign language also helps improve body language, by the use of visual communication. It also improves social relationships, contributes to acceptance and diversity within the community.
