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At Ridgewood Elementary, students recently had a unique opportunity to step into the world of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community through American Sign Language (ASL) lessons. The lessons, led by Library Assistant Alla Lujan, who is hearing impaired, have opened doors for the students to communicate in a new way, while also fostering a deeper understanding of a culture that is often overlooked.
Throughout the year, Ridgewood Counselor Qualimetra Chapman works with a group of staff members to bring enrichment lessons to each grade level. Over the last three weeks, they decided to lean into the unique strengths of Lujan and built a lesson around introducing students to the different ways to communicate with the world.
Chapman believes it is important for the students to learn how to communicate with people who may not communicate the same way they do.
“It helps build empathy and shows them that just because someone communicates differently doesn’t mean they have less to say,” said Chapman. “Learning about deafness and ASL opens their minds and helps them be more inclusive, patient, and understanding.”
Lujan serves as a living example for students of how language and communication can transcend sound. Multilingual and deeply connected to the world of sign language, she grew up using Russian Sign Language before moving to the United States at age 17, where she learned American Sign Language. Her passion for bridging communication continued as she went on to earn an associate’s degree in sign language interpreting.
Her hands-on lessons have allowed students to connect with ASL in a way that is both personal and meaningful, offering them the tools to bridge the gap between hearing and non-hearing communities. ASL is an extraordinarily expressive and dynamic language that employs hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements to convey ideas and emotions effectively.
“Mastering ASL not only enhances communication but also empowers individuals to convey their thoughts and feelings with clarity and creativity,” said Lujan. “It significantly transforms the lives of those in the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community, fostering meaningful connections and enriching social interactions. ASL also provides a strong and accessible means of communication, ensuring that everyone has a voice and feels valued in any conversation.”
During the lessons, students learned what it means to be deaf or hearing impaired, how to sign the alphabet and colors, and picked up several common phrases, including “good morning,” “goodbye,” how to give a round of applause in ASL, and how to say, “I’m proud of you.” Though they may not be fluent, the students are taking steps to be more thoughtful and inclusive.
Lujan expressed how proud she is to be a part of this lesson and help give the students a glimpse into the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community.
“It means everything to me to inspire the student with the richness of deaf culture, raise awareness about deaf and hard of hearing, and share the beauty of the Sign Language,” said Lujan.
The students recently wrapped up their ASL lessons by learning a positive affirmation for each letter of the alphabet, highlighting the supportive and empowering nature of the community. They are encouraged to continue practicing their proficiency with one another and to share what they've learned with their families, helping expand the reach of the lessons and foster a more inclusive, understanding community.