American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people. ASL is said to be the fourth most commonly used language in the United States
The ASL club of PNC is a group of students who are interested in bridging the gap between the hearing and the deaf.
We have meetings which anyone at PNC can attend. The activities we plan and sponsor are fun-filled learning experiences. Our events welcome all PNC students as well as anyone in the community (whether you know sign language or not.) Most events are appropriate for children as well. The President of ASL of PNC, Stacey Gibson, has noticed an increase in interest with these events. “People seem more excited about it this semester,” she states. People from as far away as Chicago and South Bend come out to attend these events, the past few held at Evelyn Bay. Around 10-20 people from the deaf community attend as well, contributing to upwards of 100 attendees. These events allow the ASL students to put into practice what they have learned.
Every event, held around the third Friday of the month, usually consists of some mingling time to enjoy coffee, followed by a game or presentation. Friday, December 11, ASL will host a game night at Evelyn Bay, starting at 6 pm, with the game beginning at 7. The game, similar to Mad Libs, consists of members picking a word, signing it, filling in the blanks of a story, then reading it aloud as well as signing it. ASL also hosts programs for kids as well. Every first Saturday of the month, there is an ASL story time held at a local Barnes and Noble, with this Saturday’s held at the Valparaiso location.
For more information or to be informed when the next meeting will be held, please e-mail info@aslclub.info. 