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The ASL club president leads the presentation while the vice president follows along during the meeting. Members were seated around the table as the president and vice president introduced the plans for the new ASL club.
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Students learn basic American Sign Language with the help of an instructional video during the ASL club’s meeting. The club held its first meeting and introduced the members to foundational signs.
The ASL club is a friendly space where students can come together to learn and practice American Sign Language in a relaxed, fun way. Students don’t have to know any ASL to join, everyone is welcome, whether you’re a complete beginner or already know some signs.
“ASL club is for advocacy, education and culture. So altogether, it will help, hopefully, open up other students and peers on campus to join and be inspired and motivated to learn a new language,” said Destiny Munoz, president of ASL Club.
Currently, the club has 11 members, according to the president and vice president of the club. Also, the club is child-friendly.
“While I was working at a bakery, we had a regular customer who was deaf and I felt really bad that they just had to point out what they wanted, instead of being able to actually communicate with someone and I just felt that other people being deprived of the ability to communicate was what hurt me and inspired me to learn ASL,” said Daisy Larson, vice president of the club.
The ASL club is planning to have its meetings monthly this semester and slowly having weekly programs next semester.
“I hope we can be a club that is positive and can bring some type of happiness and excitement. We have some amazing people in our club and I think it will only continue to grow. That can be a wonderful light for others and encouragement to participate in all clubs and events,” Larson said.
The club is also planning to bring in a guest speaker for the next monthly meeting.
“I feel like Washburn is trying. I know it’s not easy learning and advocating and getting resources, but I think they are trying it by letting me create this club,” Munoz said.
The ASL club is a place where one can feel welcomed, supported and not alone.
“For the longest time, I have felt very isolated because I wasn’t around my community as much, but now that I have made this club … when all those people showed up, I felt excited and less isolated,” Munoz said.
The ASL club is currently growing and is open to everyone who needs support, help and guidance to navigate through difficulties.
Edited by Anson Appelhanz, Anushma Dahal and Arohi Rai
