Learning ASL also permits a deeper understanding of Deaf culture, history and experience. Through studying this language and the culture that contextualizes it, you will learn that humans with different abilities and diverse backgrounds enrich their communities and make valuable contributions. Other reasons to learn ASL include:
The ASL program at Brown has been one of the greatest highlights of my time as an undergraduate. This is largely due to the fact that Tim and Heather are two phenomenal professors. The way that they teach and the learning environment they create for their students not only accelerates language acquisition at a pace I haven't before experienced, but also instills a deep love and appreciation for art, culture and history.
Being a student of the ASL program here has taught me to be a more sensitive, creative, expressive learner and critical thinker. I am forever grateful that I got to learn about and witness the richness that is the Deaf/HoH world.
Because of the education I've received as a SIGN student, I carry expanded perspectives on privilege, ableism, accessibility, communication, equity, etc. My only wish is that every student could experience what it's like to be part of the ASL program at Brown.