September ASL Meetup

Last Friday evening was another great gathering at the Dublin Starbucks. We over 10 signers attending, from ASL1 students who are just learning their basic phrases to 2nd and 3rd year Ohlone students. The more advanced students had a good time chatting about our teachers and experiences with the beginning signers.

Towards the end of the evening a woman and her daughter happened into Starbucks. The little girl - age 7 - quickly noticed us all signing and motioned for her mother. It turns out that Mom (and Dad, not present) moved to Dublin fairly recently from Texas. They are both deaf, but their daughter is hearing.

Students at all levels in the circle were mesmirized watching this little darling (with the most animated face and deep dimples I have ever seen) sign faster than any of us. She was so excited to visit with us all. We were all astonished, and humbled, to see how fluently she signs at such an early age.

We explained to the new signers that the daughter was a CODA and that ASL is her first language. Her mom told us that she had started signing around the age of 7 months.

I continue to be amazed at this beautiful language and the genuine kindness of the Deaf Community members I am meeting...