Come Learn About Deaf Culture and American Sign Language at UTA Libraries

For the past six or seven years, Didier Chavez has been learning American Sign Language, picking it up, practicing it, and returning to it over time. 

 
What started as a personal interest grew into something more. As Chavez continued learning ASL and talking with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, he became more interested in Deaf culture and in finding ways to help more people at UTA learn about it. 

 
Now, he is bringing that interest to UTA Libraries during International Week of Deaf People, Sept. 21–25. 

 
The week will give students, faculty, staff, and community members a chance to learn about Deaf culture, get an introduction to ASL, and, most importantly, try it for themselves. 

Events will take place from noon to 1 p.m. each day in Central Library Room 109. No registration is required, and you don't need to know any ASL before you come. 

 
It started with a simple question 

 
The idea for the week came from Chavez' work with the Libraries' ADA working group. 

The group was looking for ways to make the Libraries more accessible, and Chavez began to consider how much people could learn simply by spending time with ASL and learning about Deaf culture. 

 
"It started as the ADA working group that I'm a part of, just trying to teach or educate our staff or students," Chavez said. "But I kind of expanded it a bit and figured, why not open it up to the students or anyone who would like to attend, so that everyone can learn together with us?" 

 
That last part is important to Chavez. This isn't meant to be a class where you have to know what you're doing before you walk through the door. 

 
It is a chance to learn together. 

 
Chavez has been learning ASL on and off for several years. His interest originally stemmed from a personal connection, but over time, it became something he wanted to keep learning about and share with others. 

 
He has also spent time talking with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, which has given him an even greater appreciation for the language and culture. 

 
A week of learning and trying 

 
Each day will offer something a little different. 
 

Monday, Sept. 21, will start with an introduction to ASL and Deaf culture. It will give participants some background and help answer a basic question: What exactly is Deaf culture? 

Tuesday, Sept. 22, will focus more on signing. Dr. Whitsett, a UTA professor, will lead participants through conversational and informational signs. 

 
Then things get a little more interesting. 

 
On Wednesday, the UTA ASL Club will join the week for an immersive practice session. Once you walk through the door, voices will be off. Participants will communicate by signing or watching others sign. 

 
Thursday will build on that experience. Participants will continue using ASL in simple, everyday situations. If you want a snack or a drink, for example, you'll have to sign for it. 

It may be a little uncomfortable at first. You might forget a sign. You might get something wrong. That's OK. 

 
"Just come with an open mind," Chavez said. 

 
The goal isn't to become fluent in ASL in one week. It's to give people a chance to learn, practice, and experience something they may not have experienced before. 

Friday, Sept. 25, will wrap things up with an ASL game and celebration. It will be a chance to put some of those new skills to use and have some fun along the way. 

 
You don't have to know ASL 

 
One of the things Chavez wants people to know is that they don't need to prepare before coming to the events. 

 
ASL is its own language, with its own structure and grammar. If you've never signed before, there will be a learning curve. 

 
That's part of the experience. 

 
"Come willing to learn, come willing to experience something that others experience day-to-day that you may not have known about or even realized," Chavez said. 

 
For Chavez, learning ASL has been an ongoing process. He knows what it is like to be a beginner, to forget signs and to have to keep practicing. 

He also knows that learning even a little can open the door to a better understanding of another language and culture. 

 
That is what he hopes people take away from International Week of Deaf People. 

 
"I hope people leave with a better understanding of deaf people and deaf culture," he said. 

 
So, if you've ever wanted to learn a few signs, wondered what Deaf culture is about, or want to try something different during your lunch hour, stop by Central Library Room 109. 

 
You don't have to know ASL. 

 
Just come ready to learn and have some fun.