Why learn ASL?

When I was just a few months old, my parents learned I was Deaf. When they were given the options to “remedy” my Deafness, they agreed to learn ASL because it is a language. Learning to speak, listen, and read lips is not an objective for children learning a language. Current research shows that the best method for Deaf children to learn a language is learning ASL. The earlier a Deaf child learns ASL, the more experienced they will be with learning English as a second language, especially visual and/or tactile; particularly if Deaf children are also blind. The main reason to learn ASL is that it is empowering for the Deaf and hearing people altogether.

Most importantly, learning ASL keeps the Deaf person included in whatever present environment they are at. When a hearing person learns ASL, the Deaf person and hearing person are enabled to have a healthy relationship development of any kind and be far more collaborative. Learning ASL strengthens the relationships between parents and their child and family, coworkers, friends, educational staff, neighbors, medical staff, and so on. Also, when parents learn ASL upon finding out that their child is Deaf, using ASL with the child leads to healthy communication, learning, and social developments continuing into the child’s adulthood.