Sign language isn’t universal — not even close. From homemade gestures in families to a signing town on Martha’s Vineyard, visual languages evolved with flair. American Sign Language was born from French roots and local signs, survived an oppressive ban, and now thrives as a vibrant, cultural and linguistic powerhouse.
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Deaf-Led Learning at the Lounge
Learning ASL in Real Time: At the Voices Off Lounge, things are done a little differently. The ASL classes aren’t traditional, and that’s exactly the point. Rather than conventional classrooms with desk rows and lecture-style learning, we offer a space built for connection, expression, and cultural immersion. The classes are […]
Why Deaf People May Chose Not To Wear Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can be life-changing for some, offering a bridge to the world of sound. But for many Deaf individuals, the decision not to wear them is personal and deeply rooted in identity and experiences. Embracing Deaf Identity Being Deaf is more than just an inability to hear; it’s a […]
Why 6 Weeks? The Perfect Time Frame for Learning ASL
The structure of six-week-long classes, meeting once a week for an hour, is designed to provide an effective and manageable learning experience for students while accommodating various factors: 1. Consistency and Progress: Weekly meetings allow students to maintain a consistent learning schedule, which is essential for acquiring and retaining new […]
The First Lesson in Deaf Culture: How to Get a Deaf Person’s Attention Before Signing
In Deaf culture, gaining attention before signing is fundamental. Methods like waving or gently tapping the shoulder ensure effective communication. It’s about respect and understanding the community’s visual communication norms. Mastering this initial lesson fosters meaningful interactions and sets the stage for learning American Sign Language with cultural sensitivity.
Donations may be allocated to support Certified Deaf Interpreters, DeafBlind interpreters and support, ASL interpreters from marginalized communities, as well as fund requests for event access for Black Lives Matter (BLM) and various marginalized community events.