March 26, 2013
13-90

Jessica Pope
Communications and Media Relations Coordinator

Hearing Community Invited to Enter VSU’s Deaf, Deaf World March 29

VALDOSTA — The American Sign Language Club at Valdosta State University will host It’s A Deaf, Deaf World from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, March 29, in the Student Union Ballroom. This event is open to all faculty, staff, and students, as well as the general public.

“It’s back,” said Brandon Gaskin, program chairman and club member. “Deaf, Deaf World is back again for another exciting year. We are so excited to be hosting this amazing event again. If you are interested in having a unique cultural experience, learning about deaf culture and sign language, and having all of your questions about deaf and hard of hearing individuals answered, then join us …”

The purpose of It’s A Deaf, Deaf World is to help make the hearing community more aware of what everyday life is like for the deaf community. Gaskin noted that many people become visibly frustrated after entering VSU’s simulated silent world and attempting to communicate with someone who does not understand their language.

Talking is not allowed inside It’s A Deaf, Deaf World. The hearing visitors making their way through a series of everyday task simulations, such as visiting a bank or eating at a restaurant or buying groceries, will have to figure out another way to communicate with those inside.

Those inside will be using American Sign Language to greet their visitors, solve any problems, ask and answer questions, and so on.

Those inside will know exactly what is going on.

Due to this role reversal, Gaskin said that It’s A Deaf, Deaf World visitors will gain a better understanding of what life is like for a deaf person in a hearing world, a world where the majority of people communicate using sound and do not require any help from an interpreter or modern technology. Visitors who find a way to overcome the language barrier might find a prize waiting for them at the end of the experience.

“We had an amazing turnout last year and look forward to an even bigger turnout this year …,” said Gaskin, adding that more than 380 people visited It’s A Deaf, Deaf World in 2012.

VSU is the only college in Georgia that offers a Bachelor of Science in Education in American Sign Language interpreting.

Contact Brandon Gaskin at DeafDeafWorldVSU@gmail.com to learn more.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/academics/majors-degrees/american-sign-language-interpreting.php

Newsroom