In yesterday’s post I mentioned teaching the MLA the sign for “congratulations.” That small moment brought back memories of my early teaching career.
Right after completing my MA in Deaf Studies at Gallaudet University, I taught a class for students in the Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) program at the University of Manitoba. That experience opened doors to other teaching roles: instructor for Disability Studies at the University of Winnipeg, instructor for the interpreting program and Deaf literacy program at Red River College, and ASL instructor at the University of Manitoba.
Teaching ASL never felt like just teaching a language. It was always deeply connected to Deaf culture, the local community in Winnipeg and Manitoba, and my own lived experience as a Deaf person.
My favourite part has always been seeing what happens after the course ends. Students expanded their knowledge and went on to apply it personally and professionally. One nurse realized the importance of effective communication with Deaf patients and the need for qualified interpreters. A couple of students were inspired to become advocates, used me as a reference, and got into law school. Others went into careers working directly with Deaf people or simply became better communicators with Deaf family members, friends, and neighbours.
To this day, some former students stay in touch or we run into each other in the community.
The classroom is like planting seeds. When you nurture students with knowledge, empathy, and Deaf perspectives, they grow into agents of change — carrying accessibility forward wherever they go.
What about you? Did a teacher, mentor, or course ever shift how you think about accessibility or inclusion? Or have you seen the impact of learning ASL in your own life or career?
Share your experiences in the comments!
See you tomorrow for Day 9!