Features

Inside Scoop: ASL Club

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The American Sign Language Club here at Bethel is open to students of all majors with an interest in learning ASL and knowing about deaf culture. The club is focused on the continuous use of the language, giving back to the deaf community, planning events to reach out to the community, as well as promoting unity within the ASL program and meeting new people. They also aim to raise awareness for the deaf community in the area. Community outreach is a large part of their goal. They plan various events and activities throughout the school year such as a Thanksgiving Day Dinner and a Valentine’s Day party. Also, the club organizes service projects for disabled members of the deaf community such as yard work, house work, and other odd jobs they cannot do for themselves. The members are also looking into tutoring deaf children in the community who are in the public school system. They do not have all the kinks worked out yet, but are researching and trying to find a way to make it happen. In an interview with club president Casie Byard, a junior Interpreting major, she stated the laws are subject to change in the near future. Formerly, the ASL club has communicated purely in sign language, but they are now feeling that it would be more accommodating to newcomers and those only vaguely familiar with the language if they could speak English during the meetings as well. This is currently being looked into and voted on. The meetings take place on the second Thursday of every month at 8:00 pm at Sufficient Grounds. However, this is subject to change for a larger facility to accommodate all the members. Look for coming details. For any questions or further information, contact Byard by email at casie.byard@bethelcollege.edu.
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