Deaf Schools
A Video Repost
Produced by Joshua Beckman
Captioned by ASLized! Special thanks to Robbie Sutton for providing audio support
TRANSCRIPT:
VANCE YOUNGS (ERNEST C. DRURY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): I have vivid memories of my Deaf school. They had some sort of festival for the Deaf children or ASL Literature week. Students would get in front of the camera and sign stories. I always became excited whenever I signed in to the camera. I received numerous awards which gave me the confidence to become a TV host today. I thank my Deaf school dearly.
MARI KLASSEN (BRITISH COLUMBIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): Everyone in my family is hearing and can sign, but my Deaf school is where I always felt at home.
WAYNE BETTS JR. (AMERICAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): Reflecting on my middle school days, I have always wanted to make movies. I borrowed my friend’s small video camcorder and asked a dorm counselor for his permission to shoot on campus. He gave me his blessing as long as I could finish it in 2 to 3 days. I used my creative juices and shot lots of scenes. I tried my best at editing, and then everyone from the entire school came to watch my movie. It was the key to my inspiration. Signing made it possible for me to communicate my vision.
SERICIA JACKERSON (TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): I was fine while attending a mainstream school all my life until I transferred to a Deaf school. My confidence in creativity and social skills truly soared. I used to be timid and somewhat stoic when signing, but I became more expressive and creative such as ABC stories and sign play.
CAMILLE JETER-LORELLO (MICHIGAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): When I attended a Deaf school, I was assigned to read Edgar Allen Poe’s work in English class. I had difficulty understanding “The Raven,” but I had a Deaf teacher who was also fluent in ASL. I understood the story completely and learned English with ease.
JASON GUNDERSON (MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): While I was growing up, I always participated in sports leagues with hearing kids. However, they always made me feel inferior. That was until I entered a Deaf school, I finally saw things in a different light. The coaches signed his plays and strategies directly with the players. With communication, there is a clear system. Thanks to my Deaf school.
JODI OATES (TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): I have been shy all my life, but Theatre Arts at my Deaf school helped me build my confidence and overcome my stage fright.
REBECCA LOVITCH (MODEL SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): I attended a public school with many interpreters. Once in a while, the interpreter would miss and there was no one else to interpret. So, I would have to take over and interpret for my Deaf classmates. I transferred to a Deaf school and the experience was so different. Interpreters weren’t necessary, and I finally felt like a student without depending on anyone else. I finally felt free.
FELICIA WILLIAMS (NEW JERSEY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF) Looking back, I met a person named, “Kim Arrigo,” a Deaf teacher who introduced me to Deaf culture and ASL. Her expressions were so powerful and I became more inspired to communicate freely in my language.
JOSHUA BECKMAN (NEW JERSEY SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF): You watched all those people’s stories, right? I attended a Deaf school, too. Am I the last one?