American Sign Language offered in workshop series

In observance of Accessibility Awareness Month, UTRGV staff has come together to host “Lunch and Learn,” a series of workshops that will teach basic sign language to participants.

Six different types of classes will be offered throughout October, November and December. Classes will provide basic signs to help enhance participants’ ability to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing community at UTRGV.

“The goal is basically just to teach basic sign language,” said Maria Cabanillas, a sign language interpreter at Student Accessibility Services. “Just for [UTRGV staff and students] to learn how to communicate with their deaf students, deaf faculty, deaf staff.”

Cabanillas said she believes sessions have not been previously provided for faculty and staff.

“We only had [it] for students and they had to register for the class,” she said. “The deaf community struggles with not having access everywhere, like, if they don’t have interpreters in places where they need to. Sometimes they request interpreters and they are not provided with the service.”

The class has a limit of 15 students per session. All of the participants in the first class were staff; however, students can also attend by registering online prior to the date of the event.

“You never know when a student who may be deaf comes to the office, and I would want to be able to talk to them at least about the basic information if we are not able to reach out to an interpreter at that point in time,” said Catherine Vela, a Judicial Affairs officer at UTRGV Student Rights and Responsibilities and a participant in the workshop. “Student Accessibility is a great office here for students and, unfortunately, they may not be aware that that’s a resource for them. In addition to accommodations, they do provide interpreters … but, I think having trainings like these will get more … students, faculty, and staff to be aware.”

UTRGV also offers help to students who are currently taking American Sign Language classes. Tutors are provided at The Learning Center for students who want to enhance their knowledge.

Coryann Thornock, a communication sciences and disorders junior, works as an ASL tutor on both Brownsville and Edinburg campuses.

“I guess people don’t think that deaf people can be capable when they are just like everyone else,” Thornock said. “The only thing they can’t do is hear. It’s just so fun communicating with someone who is deaf. … It’s really interesting to have that perspective.”

Students interested in learning the basics of sign language can still register for the “Lunch and Learn” series of workshops scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 23, Nov. 6 and 20, and Dec. 4 and 11 in Health Affairs Building West 1.274.