1. AMERICAN SIGN
LANGUAGE
The Language, The Culture, and
The Community

2. A QUICK OVERVIEW:
WHAT WE LEARNED
 Many new American Sign Language
(ASL) signs
 How the Deaf Culture operates
 Aspects of the Deaf Community
 How to communicate with the Deaf
 How to put our knowledge into play

3. THE DEAF CULTURE
 The Deaf do not consider themselves
different than the “hearing” world
 The Deaf can do everything that
hearing people can do
 The term “Hard-of-Hearing” is no
longer used for the Deaf

4. THE DEAF COMMUNITY
 The Deaf community is very tight-knit
 Community gatherings and events
occur on a regular basis

5. DEAF EXPERIENCES
 Deaf Chat – Gathering of Deaf people
at a local coffee chat for a chance for
many Deaf, hearing, and ASL students
to get together and “chat”.
 Class with Deaf student – On campus,
we attended a class with a Deaf
student who uses the aide of an
interpreter.

6. READER ANALYSIS
Rachel: Megan:
 “Empowering Deaf  “When the Client
Consumers Through Signs”
the Use of Deaf and
 “Spiritual Life and
Hearing Interpreter
Teams” Mental Health”
 “The Child Who is Deaf  “Issues and
and Hearing Parents” Implications of Deaf
 “Trends and Culture in Therapy”
Challenges in Teacher
Preparation in Deaf
Education”

7. CUT AND PASTE JOURNAL
“FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY”
 “Sign language is not impervious to change. It can
grow; it can adapt to modern needs. All signers can
participate in the process of re-creating a language
that reflects modern sensibilities, cultural sensitivity,
and respect for diversity. There is always room for
improvement – and for creativity.”
 “It’s perfectly okay to be fascinated by Deaf culture
and the way Deaf people communicate, and quite
understandable to be intrigued by seeing them
signing in public.”
 “In case you’re wondering if movie theaters and the
home-video industry are covered by the ADA, the
answer is no. ... It’s strictly voluntary.”

8. CUT AND PASTE JOURNAL
“FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY”
 “Most Deaf people appreciate a hearing stranger’s
interest…If you get rebuffed, don’t take it personally.
Take it in stride, as a negative learning experience. It
happens to all of us.”
 “We believe that deaf children should be exposed to
sign language as well as speech, as part of a Total
Communication or Bilingual-Bicultural curriculum. They
can choose whatever mode they feel comfortable with.”
 “Obviously, not all career possibilities are equally
feasible. Everyone has talents. Everyone has limitations.
Everyone has abilities. And everyone has disabilities.
Nothing is accomplished without risk and sacrifice. We
deserve the right to fail as well as to succeed.”

9. SIMPLE SIGNS TO KNOW
 Please  Drink
 Thank You  More
 Yes  Finished
 No  Bathroom
 Food  Help

10. “THANK
“PLEASE” YOU”

11. “YES” “NO”

12. “FOOD” “DRINK”

13. “MORE” “FINISHED”

14. “HELP” “BATHROOM”

18. RACHEL’S DEMONSTRATION
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpDtA7rmibU
MEGAN’S DEMONSTRATION
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HDeEbJyNK8