For JLHS students who are interested in learning ASL and want to learn more about deaf culture, the James Logan ASL Club is perfect to check out. The ASL Club aims to bring the deaf community and hearing community together here at JLHS. What makes this club different is that club members have their own unique experience with sign language, and the club advisor, Mrs. Parker, is deaf herself.
“Many of our members have connections to the deaf community, but our club is even more unique because our advisor is a member of the deaf community,” ASL Club President senior Kalani Calderon said.
Prior knowledge of ASL is not required to become a member of the ASL Club. All JLHS students who are interested in learning sign language, participating in activities surrounding deaf culture, and attending field trips related to ASL are welcome.
“Students who aren’t taking ASL should become a member of our club to learn about deaf culture and to try new things. The ASL club is a great club to be in because you get to learn ASL, play games, and you learn how to communicate with those in the deaf community,” ASL Club Outreach Coordinator senior Kaitlyn Manibog said.
There are many challenges that deaf people go through that the ASL Club wants to bring to light. These challenges include facing audism (a negative attitude toward deaf or hard of hearing people), being twice as likely to develop psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, employment discrimination, and much more.
“Sometimes, when students take their tests, they might talk if a teacher assistant isn’t there. It’s really upsetting to hear about, especially since Mrs. Parker is an amazing teacher,” ASL teaching assistant and ASL Club member Mikayla Agregado said.
Mrs. Parker, ASL Club Advisor, has many activities planned for club members. JLHS students are encouraged to bring friends so the club can be a positive experience for all.
“I’ll teach new signs that members want to learn,” Parker said. “We will discuss what we want to do in the future, like a field trip somewhere, and you can bring another friend who can join the club to help with making a video for a food sale.”
