What Are Name Signs in the Deaf Community?

Understanding the Meaning, Etiquette, and Cultural Significance of Name Signs in ASL If you’re beginning to learn American Sign Language (ASL) or have recently started engaging with the Deaf community, you may have come across the concept of a “name sign.” Name signs are more than just a convenient way to refer to someone—they are […]

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What Are Classifiers in ASL?

Unlocking One of the Most Powerful Tools in American Sign Language If you’re learning American Sign Language (ASL), you’ve probably heard the term “classifier” come up again and again. But what exactly are classifiers? Why are they so important? And how can you begin using them like a pro? Let’s break it down. What Are Classifiers? In […]

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How to Start Learning ASL as a Beginner

Your First Steps Into the World of American Sign Language Whether you’re learning American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with a Deaf friend, pursue a new career path, or simply explore a beautiful visual language, getting started can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The good news? Anyone can learn ASL — at any age — with […]

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The Problem with Live Closed Captioning: Why It’s Time for a Major Upgrade

In an era of instant communication, 24-hour news cycles, and streaming on-demand everything, it’s easy to assume that accessibility has kept pace. But for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, live closed captioning still lags far behind — especially during live broadcasts like news programs, sports events, and breaking coverage. It’s a problem that goes largely […]

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Juneteenth and the Deaf Community: Honoring Freedom, Recognizing Voices

Juneteenth and the Deaf Community Honoring Freedom, Recognizing Voices Juneteenth—celebrated on June 19th—is a significant and powerful day in American history. It marks the moment in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas were finally informed of their freedom—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. As the country continues to […]

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How Long Does It Take to Become an ASL Interpreter?

A Realistic Look at the Journey to Interpretation Becoming an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is an exciting and rewarding path—but it’s also one that requires time, dedication, and a deep respect for Deaf culture and language. One of the most common questions people ask is: “How long does it take to become an ASL interpreter?” […]

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School’s Out…Now What?

How ASL Students Can Stay Sharp Over the Summer The final bell has rung, the textbooks are closed, and summer is officially here! While many students are eager for a break, those learning American Sign Language (ASL) might be wondering: “How do I keep practicing without my regular ASL class?” The good news? Summer is the […]

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Left in the Dark: Why Deaf Accessibility in Emergencies Can’t Be Ignored

When disaster strikes — whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, mass shooting, or health emergency — access to information can mean the difference between safety and danger. But for many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, emergency alerts and instructions are often incomplete, delayed, or completely inaccessible. In life-threatening situations, this isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a matter of survival. […]

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Discrimination Doesn’t Always Shout: Facing the Silent Struggles of Deaf Employees

In today’s world, we often hear about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Companies celebrate cultural awareness days, update policies, and talk about equal opportunity. But what happens when accessibility is overlooked, and inclusion is only surface deep? For many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, workplace discrimination remains a very real and often invisible challenge. What Does Discrimination Look […]

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What is the Bi-Bi Model?

What Is the Bi-Bi Model? The Bi-Bi (Bilingual-Bicultural) model is an educational philosophy that uses two languages and two cultures as the foundation for learning: This model recognizes that Deaf children learn best when they have full access to language — and for most, that means a visual language like ASL from the very beginning. Why Is the Bi-Bi Approach Important? 1. Language […]

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