This petition stands to show the support and demand for Western Washington University to offer American Sign Language courses under the Modern and Classical Language department. UW, WSU, Whatcom Community College, Sehome high school, and many more Washington state educational institutions all offer courses. Not only would American Sign Language courses offer new learning opportunities for their students, but greater inclusiveness between Western Washington University and the Bellingham Deaf community.
Updates
June 16, 2017
The administration can no longer ignore this mounting pressure to finally bring American Sign Language to our campus. It is pathetic that Western Washington University continues to lag behind every other major institution in the state while excluding the local Deaf community.
22 Comments
As a past student who once shared a classroom with a deaf student, I was able to get just a tiny glimpse into a world where a student and an instructor could not communicate because of a language barrier. It was heartbreaking when that student shared they had to drop the class because they didn’t get their interpreter until very late into the quarter. It broke my heart. I want so badly to learn ASL through WWU so that maybe I could help in a future situation like this, but sadly the course isn’t offered. Hope this changes soon!
I am unilaterally deaf and was a part of PIP (Parent Infant Program) and ASL was my first language. So far the only formal classes I have ever been able to take in ASL was at Everett Community College.
I'm planning on being a teacher in special education and I want to help my non-verbal students communicate more paras, teachers, each other and with the general ed students. Otherwise, they have a tendency to get isolated, especially from general ed students, when the general ed students can't understand them. I want to be proficient with ASL before I get certified and it's shocking that WWU doesn't offer classes. My local community college offers 3 ASL classes. Why can't Western?
It doesn't make much sense not to offer ASL courses , especially at a college known for it's teaching program, and a Special Education major.
My cousin is deaf and its been a dream of mine to learn sign language. Was considering taking an external course, but having one at WWU would be incredible!
Bring ASL to Western, important language available at. Most other universities
Yes! Please bring ASL courses to WWU!!!!!
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This petition stands to show the support and demand for Western Washington University to offer American Sign Language courses under the Modern and Classical Language department. UW, WSU, Whatcom Community College, Sehome high school, and many more Washington state educational institutions all offer courses. Not only would American Sign Language courses offer new learning opportunities for their students, but greater inclusiveness between Western Washington University and the Bellingham Deaf community.
Updates
June 16, 2017
The administration can no longer ignore this mounting pressure to finally bring American Sign Language to our campus. It is pathetic that Western Washington University continues to lag behind every other major institution in the state while excluding the local Deaf community.
22 Comments
I'm surprised that ASL isn't already available at WWU. This is a big move needed to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion at our school!
As a past student who once shared a classroom with a deaf student, I was able to get just a tiny glimpse into a world where a student and an instructor could not communicate because of a language barrier. It was heartbreaking when that student shared they had to drop the class because they didn’t get their interpreter until very late into the quarter. It broke my heart. I want so badly to learn ASL through WWU so that maybe I could help in a future situation like this, but sadly the course isn’t offered. Hope this changes soon!
I am unilaterally deaf and was a part of PIP (Parent Infant Program) and ASL was my first language. So far the only formal classes I have ever been able to take in ASL was at Everett Community College.
I'm planning on being a teacher in special education and I want to help my non-verbal students communicate more paras, teachers, each other and with the general ed students. Otherwise, they have a tendency to get isolated, especially from general ed students, when the general ed students can't understand them. I want to be proficient with ASL before I get certified and it's shocking that WWU doesn't offer classes. My local community college offers 3 ASL classes. Why can't Western?
It doesn't make much sense not to offer ASL courses , especially at a college known for it's teaching program, and a Special Education major.
My cousin is deaf and its been a dream of mine to learn sign language. Was considering taking an external course, but having one at WWU would be incredible!
Bring ASL to Western, important language available at. Most other universities
Yes! Please bring ASL courses to WWU!!!!!
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I'm surprised that ASL isn't already available at WWU. This is a big move needed to increase equity, diversity, and inclusion at our school!