ASL in the New Term

Hello once again, it’s time for another Action Project. Now this new, Experiential Term (which was much shorter than the rest), is coming to an end. We learned ASL (American Sign Language) this term, which is just one of the types of sign language. We’ve learned about the Deaf culture and went on multiple Field Experiences (in the case you may have forgotten or do not know, an FE or field experience is an external visiting from or to us), including visitors from the 30 Million Word Project and certified professionals of the Lurie's Children's Hospital.

This image empowers the DHH community

However, I think the one that inspired me the most was the La Rabida Children’s Hospital. This vivid and colorful treatment center cares for children who are challenged or disabled. Every inch of this center is as child-friendly as possible, with every patient’s room has a lakeside view. This facility does not fulfill surgical operations, only basic clinical care.

The appeal to the youth is still accomplished with a section named the S.S. La Rabida, following a nautical theme due to the center being near a large body of water. This is important because you want a facility to be as appealing to the children as possible. It inspires me by how they care for their patients, all the consideration to make La Rabida a comfortable environment to the children. You can check out their website at http://www.larabida.org/. That's where you can learn more about how they give any mentally challenged child a fair chance at life with equal education and special treatments.

Overall, learning ASL has changed my perspective on the Deaf community. I used to think that they couldn’t complete tasks like driving or teaching, but now I know that the only thing they can’t do is hear. I also learned the Deaf or Hard Hearing (DHH) community can access certain assisting devices and services if needed, including: hearing aids, cochlear implants, interpreters, video/relay calls, a BAHA (Bone Anchored Hearing Aid), or even simply making notes.

We also worked on a group mini documentary during this brief term. Working with other students to form a micro-mentary, or a mini documentary, we pursued a single guiding question: “How may Deaf culture become mainstream?”

In that project I filled the roles of being a researcher and interviewer (gathering information on FEs). Contributing to the project by finding multiple creative commons images. I've also gathered collected information regarding questions in Field Experiences. As for the question itself, my personal opinion differs upon situation. I want the DHH culture to become mainstream but if the hearing "world" can't accept it, then we won't be getting anywhere.

Another question asked is how may we live in another person's life and step into their shoes. In my opinion, this is impossible. We can attempt to experience the same things they have, even feel a similar emotion, but we can never truly do what they once have. Books, videos, illustrations; those can assist but we can never truly be.

This is an intro to me using sign language and has captions that will translate the ASL. Thank you for your time.