Why learning ASL was important to me

Canadian Hearing Services staff members share why it was important for them to learn sign language and learn about Deaf culture:

By Sue McCarter, General Support Services counsellor, CHS_­

When my Mom worked as a teacher’s aid with a Deaf pre-school class, I became fascinated with American Sign Language (ASL). I would sometimes volunteer as a helper in the classroom and would become frustrated when I couldn’t communicate with the children except through simple gestures.

This started my journey into learning about Deaf culture and exposing myself to this visual, expressive and rich second language. I began looking for any opportunities to volunteer with the Deaf community, including becoming a counsellor at a Deaf camp when I was a teenager, joining a Deaf church group, and acting as a teacher’s assistant in a pre-school for Deaf children.

I was very motivated to increase my sign skills and knowledge, so I moved to the United States to attend a Deaf university: Gallaudet University. For two years, I immersed myself in ASL and Deaf culture by taking an interpreting training course. It was the first time I had lived in a Deaf school environment and my first taste of being in the minority group as a hearing person. I still enjoy lasting friendships some 30 years later that I made as a student. It was life-changing experience and I knew I wanted to make a career of working with people who are Deaf.

Fast forward to today and it is now 29 years that I have worked in the position of General Support Services counselor at the Canadian Hearing Services. It is still a privilege and honour to work closely with Deaf consumers and staff in providing these support services. My career is still as enriching and challenging as it was at the beginning of my career. I have grown as a professional and continue to learn and expand my ASL and knowledge skills to this day. I am thankful I found my passion and that I have had this amazing opportunity to continue to work for the Canadian Hearing Services doing what I love.

By Michael Warburton, Director of Sales, Canadian Hearing Services

When I first joined Canadian Hearing Services (CHS), I knew that roughly half of my new staff would be Deaf or hard of hearing. While I had extensive experience working with persons with various disabilities, the majority of whom were Deaf and hard of hearing, I can’t deny I was concerned that I would struggle to communicate effectively with my group.

Those concerns were quickly alleviated the very first day I met my Deaf staff. Patience, perseverance and a little bit of humour went a long way to help building relationships and improve my American Sign Language (ASL) skills. I have received nothing but full support from not only my Deaf staff, but also various Deaf clients, on my ASL communication skills.

I’ll never forget the day early in my tenure when a Deaf client Skyped our office to make a complaint. The client demanded to speak to the Manager, which was me. There were no interpreters present, so I had to try to serve someone who was rather upset using only a beginner’s ASL skills.

To my amazement, I was able to understand every little nuance of the client’s complaint. It was at that moment that I had an epiphany: I was able to understand everything! I was so happy with this realization that I struggled not to smile while on camera. My communication wasn’t outstanding, but the client saw I was trying. The client started to assist with my signing, and soon enough, we were both focused on proper signing, and had a great conversation throughout the call – ultimately solving the issue.

Today, I would say my ASL skills are at an intermediary level. Out of all the skills I’ve acquired during my time at CHS, I am most proud of the ASL I have learned. As a fan of multi-culturalism and international languages, this is my true badge of honour.

I love how I can now have a free-flowing conversation with any Deaf person, with little to no supports.

These days, after having a good conversation in ASL, I still pinch myself – did I really learn a new language? Yes, Michael! Yes, you did!

My world has been broadened and I love it.

By Pri Patel, Assignment Coordinator, Interpreting Services

I’ve always wanted to learn sign language and I’m so grateful to have this opportunity. Taking sign language classes is not only about learning a new language, but it’s also about appreciating the culture. My coworkers have been so patient with me, even as I fumbled my way through ASL 101.

As a hearing person, I want them to be comfortable communicating in their first language which is why learning sign language is important to me. It’s a great feeling to cross that communication barrier and have a regular conversation as friends.

By Adam Ledlow, Creative Services Manager, Canadian Hearing Services

By Rebecca Raghubeer, Manager of Digital and Content Strategy, Canadian Hearing Services