Is it time for you to discover a language that allows you to communicate with 15% of the adult US population? American Sign Language, ASL, is a non-verbal gesture and an area-oriented language primarily used by people who are hard of hearing, deaf, and in mute communities. Even if you don’t take the ASL classes offered here at ACC, you should consider joining the ASL Club.

There are many good reasons to join the club. One reason is that ASL is easy and fun to learn. Also, you will learn a new language for free, and hang out with friends and peers. ASL Club is the place to be. You don’t have to know any ASL. All you need to do is show up, and they’ll teach you!

The ACC ASL Club was founded a few years ago and is now being led by Cobi Kromash, a junior who takes the ASL Dual Enrollment class. The top two reasons for learning ASL that the club advertises are that it’s: 1. fun to have an “almost” secret code; and 2. learning a new language. Maddie Burrows, the ASL club secretary, said something really cool about ASL in movie situations: “All those scenes where the person doesn’t let the victim talk could be easily solved with ASL.”

The club has a challenge for anyone interested in joining it. The challenge is to start with the alphabet: 26 simple signs. Later, you can work on other signs which you can learn in the ASL club.

If you’re still not 100% sold on joining the club, here’s an extra incentive: The club is planning a possible field trip sometime at the end of the year.

Sign up for the club on this Google Form and contact [email protected] with any questions. The club meetings are twice a week during Archers on Tuesdays and Thursdays with Mr. Khutoryan or Ms. Bilodeau. Come when you can!

Edits made with the help of ASL President and staff reporter, Cobi Kromash on 11/3.