As someone who has a language processing disability, I had a hard time learning my first language. I was not very verbal until I was 4 and half years old. To communicate, I learned a little bit of sign language when I was a toddler. My caregivers said that learning signs helped me to not be so frustrated at communicating and helped jump start my talking.
When I entered high school, there was a graduation recommendation to include 2 years of a foreign language in my high school courses. I had tried a world languages survey class in middle school that covered French, Spanish and Latin. I struggled so much in that class. Everything sounded like gibberish no matter how hard I tried. By the end of middle school, I had my troubles with learning a 2nd language documented so that I didn’t have to attempt the foreign language classes offered in my high school.
Back in high school, I was interested in trying to get a NH Scholars recognition on my high school diploma which required two years of foreign language classes. Plus lots of colleges recommended or required 2 years of foreign language classes. I found out that lots of kids with learning disabilities like mine take ASL classes to fulfill their foreign language credits. Great, I like ASL and wanted to learn more.
Most colleges will take ASL for high school foreign language experience, but the problem is not a lot of high schools offer this class, including my high school. When I asked about considering adding an ASL class, I got told that my school was aware it would benefit the students but were concerned about the cost of adding another language and being able to find a teacher for it regularly.
To try to get foreign language credit for high school, I found some great instructors on Outschool.com teaching full ASL classes. I really enjoyed and got a lot out of my classes I took on Outschool, but I had a hard time getting my school to accept the classes even though my state does have a process for students to get credit via experiences. They said because they could not validate the content and rigor of the classes I was taking they couldn’t give me credit.
I did end up finally getting credit for ASL by taking the class at the local college via a dual enrollment program with my high school. I ended up really enjoying the class. I found that I enjoyed signing very much and that it was a much better fit for my language abilities. So even having a language processing disability, I still found a way to overcome my hidden disability with the right accomodation for me….taking ASL for my foreign language classes in high school .
Why teach ASL classes for Foreign Language Credit with Students with Disabilities
Third most used language in the US with over 500,000 users of ASL
Most people will encounter people with hearing loss or impairment during their lifetime, either themselves, aging family or in a work setting.
It is estimated that 48.3 million Americans have significant hearing loss
Increases inclusion for non-speakers
Improves cultural awareness of the deaf community and gives students a chance to learn empathy for people with disabilities
Improves cognitive skills for both hearing and non-hearing students
Aids memory retention
Engages multiple sensory inputs: vision and spatial awareness
Learning a 2nd language is good for boosting brain power!
Further Reading
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