what do we do? what do we do? what do we do? what do we do?
while you can learn more about the history of gesture here, our work is rooted in the fact that more people could benefit from sign language then there are people who learn it.
why is that?
There are many things keeping people from using signed language and it would take ages to list all of the individual potential reasons, but they can many be grouped into two categories: internal and external factors. External factors are systemic reasons, or barriers on a societal scale, preventing people from signing. These could include race, gender, sexuality, disability, & socio-economic status to name a few, things tied with other societal-wide issues like general accessability or the wage gap. While we as a small organization can change the world to fix these issues and erase the problem, we can do what we can to support those affected disproportionately. Along with external factors, there are many internal factors keeping people from signed language. Internalized audism, truly prefering to hear or solely use hearing-assisstive devices, having no Deaf connections or people to sign with, & fear of learning a new language are all examples. These are absolutely valid reasons to not use sign, and part of advocating for sign language is supporting those who are deaf/HoH and don’t want to sign, by using the alternative means of communication that the person prefers. But if there is an inkling of desire to sign, we want to foster that interest at gesture by supporting with a collection of educational resources and helping people get established into community.
not every deaf person signs and that is okay! beyond ASL advocacy, we work to improve access and remove communciation barriers, because everyone benefits in a more accessable world
so what do we do?
We have three main areas of work at GEST to address both the external and internal barriers to learning signed language: scholarships, resources, & community.
To address the systemic hardships some endure trying to learn sign language, we have multiple scholarships available to support people finding a Deaf teacher that is the best fit for them (if you need help finding a teacher, check out our resources page below!).
SOME SCHOLARSHIPS INCLUDE:
The BASL Fund - Supporting the learning of Black American Sign Language for those who would culturally benefit
LGBTQ+ Scholarship - For those who need specific teachers & community who are either LGBTQ+ themselves or allies of the comunity
Financial Need Scholarship - For those who want to pursue ASL education but are limited financially
Post Secondary Scholarship - For those who are over 18+ and/or late deafened/HoH and could benefit from ASL
There are a lot of great ASL teachers out there! There are also some not so great ones. Gesture supports the idea that learning from Deaf is best, but it’s important to also acknowledge your personal situation as you may benefit more from a CODA that you could identify with racially or one Deaf teacher may be better over the other because they’re LQBTQ+ welcoming. Some may be looking for a more casual learning experience, or may not be in a place financially where they can afford live classes, resources for those can be found here too. Looking to send your child to a Deaf school? We have a map & list of them to compare. Do you know Deaf people but don’t know sign yet? We have some advice on how to improve communication while you learn. Deaf and don’t know about your rights under the Americans with Disability Act? We have that info for you!
One of the biggest hurdles of learning a new language is finding other people to practice with or finding those who are willing to learn with you. It’s especially challenging for the D/deaf/HoH with ‘friends’ and family who are unwilling to learn sign for them, having to rely on hearing or the one or two people who do sign to interpret can quickly become a lonely experience. Part of GEST’s mission is to get as many people excited about signing, regardless if they can hear or not because everyone benefits from improved accessability. We have a page devoted to finding ways to connect with your local Deaf community, mainly sharing events help by schools and clubs along with tips and tricks to help ease the nerves of trying something new. We also are looking to start a mentor program soon, one for those under 18 and one for those who are HoH/late-deafened, so stay tuned!
