By Dana Sternthal
Staff Writer
The language barrier at Mira Costa affects several students, and there are many students who communicate primarily through American Sign Language (ASL).The barrier puts a limit on their communication with other students.
Junior Doreen Forson took matters into her own hands and started Sign Language Club this year, a club dedicated to teaching its members non-verbal communication.
“I started this club as a way to teach students about the language that people don’t know about, and then help them learn it,” Forson said.
Being partially deaf herself, Forson has a personal connection to this club. Not only are there deaf members, there are members who are partially deaf with a hearing impairment. The club has served as a forum where Forson can communicate with deaf students.
“It’s great when I’m able to use sign language because it’s less strain on my voice, and it’s fun to be able to communicate in a new way with my friends who are just learning it now,” Forson said.
The club covers the basics of the language such as the alphabet and simple phrases. Teaching students complex sentences and ideas is something the club is trying to accomplish.
“We don’t have a sign language class at Costa, and I want to teach anyone who wants to learn,” Forson said. “It’s also a great way to meet new people.”
Students have joined Sign Language Club to be supportive of their friends who rely on ASL to communicate.
“I joined to support my friend Doreen, and I always wanted to learn to sign,” junior Estefany Castaneda said. “I hope I’m able to pick up all that I’m taught and able to sign with other people too.”
The students learn how to communicate directly with the hearing impaired and not rely on translators.
“Hopefully, I will continue to learn more and more from this club to be capable of communicating with those who use ASL,” junior club member Jayven Colon said.
The club reinforces what is taught during meetings by doing various projects. Club members made short videos in sign language introducing themselves.
“Little projects are a fun way to get to know each other and practice signing at the same time,” Forson said.
Sign Language Club meets in room 125 on Fridays and room 102 on Wednesdays. The club’s advisor is the deaf and hard of hearing teacher, Michelle Sumner, and members meet in her room on Fridays.
“Being a member of this club is a great opportunity to step out of what I normally do,” Castaneda said.
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