Taylor
New Member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2004
- Messages
- 1,630
- Reaction score
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I've been browsing the AD forums for awhile. I finally registered and thought I'd say Hello to everyone.
One thing I'm unsure of is how welcome are those that are hearing to this community? I've seen some deaf related sites that don't care to have hearing folks there. That doesn't appear to be the case here, but I wasn't sure.
A little background. A number of years ago, I dated a deaf woman. It was with her that I really took an interest in learning ASL and communicating with deaf and HOH and realized how much fun it can be. Unfortunately, her and her family relocated. Since then, I have maintained an interest in ASL but didn't actively pursue it.
For the past 13 years, I've worked in broadcast radio as a disc jockey, however, earlier this year I took a position with our local Police Department. This has renewed my interest learning ASL. Our department has Spanish translators, but no officers that know signing. Keep in mind that there are translators that we can call if need be, but my opinion is that it would work out better to have someone on staff.
So, that is where I'm at right now. I'm not very proficient in signing, but am continually looking to improve. The hardest thing right now is locating someone local who is deaf and willing to tutor a little. The schedule with the Police Department is shiftwork and varies from week to week so it is difficult to take a college class. You can only learn so much from reading books, and the best teacher would be one on one with a friend.
With all that said, I would also be interested in obtaining information on becoming a certified translator. Anyhow, if hearing folks are welcome in this community, I hope that you'll have me and hope to develop some new friendships.
One thing I'm unsure of is how welcome are those that are hearing to this community? I've seen some deaf related sites that don't care to have hearing folks there. That doesn't appear to be the case here, but I wasn't sure.
A little background. A number of years ago, I dated a deaf woman. It was with her that I really took an interest in learning ASL and communicating with deaf and HOH and realized how much fun it can be. Unfortunately, her and her family relocated. Since then, I have maintained an interest in ASL but didn't actively pursue it.
For the past 13 years, I've worked in broadcast radio as a disc jockey, however, earlier this year I took a position with our local Police Department. This has renewed my interest learning ASL. Our department has Spanish translators, but no officers that know signing. Keep in mind that there are translators that we can call if need be, but my opinion is that it would work out better to have someone on staff.
So, that is where I'm at right now. I'm not very proficient in signing, but am continually looking to improve. The hardest thing right now is locating someone local who is deaf and willing to tutor a little. The schedule with the Police Department is shiftwork and varies from week to week so it is difficult to take a college class. You can only learn so much from reading books, and the best teacher would be one on one with a friend.
With all that said, I would also be interested in obtaining information on becoming a certified translator. Anyhow, if hearing folks are welcome in this community, I hope that you'll have me and hope to develop some new friendships.
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welcome here and enjoy it
