New Signers At Deaf Events ⎮ ASL Stew 

I just attended my first deaf event this week and was absolutely petrified but super excited. When I first got there however the very first person that I attempted to converse with did not understand me and I didn't understand him. This is very disheartening and made me lose all of my confidence as I have been signing for a few years now. I found my disadvantage lies in the fact that I have only been self- taught using online videos. I have conversed limitedly with a few deaf people in the past and never had much of an issue so when this particular guy didn't understand what I was trying to say I was thrown off. I found that because I was nervous I couldn't understand a lot of signs that I knew because I was just panicking. Every time someone try to fingerspell for me I would blank. The night got easier as it went on and I'm going to go to the same event next month. I think that one will go a little better.

At my first Deaf event, I had been learning ASL online for a while. After I took ASL 1 I continued going to many more! I always tell others: -Don’t be afraid of Deaf people (we’re not scary and don’t bite) -Remember to keep voice off -Try to have fun! If you’re having a game night, play a game with some people you don’t know. Meet people. Don’t get too caught up in thinking about signing that you forget to enjoy the event!

I like you guys. You seem safe and comfortable to be around.

I am a fourth year ASL student. Attending events is a part of our grade every semester. Though I have been to quite a few events over the years, I appreciate your tips so much! New events are always intimidating, so these are such good reminders.

I am a beginner signer. I can have basic conversations and can for some reason understand more of what people sign even though I didn’t know the words at first. But I went to my first deaf event over the summer at the Pennsylvania School for The Deaf. It was a bazaar. I was invited by the dean of the school after expressing a desire to volunteer at the school. I went and dealing with anxiety omg I was a nervous wreck. Scared to near death lol. I went alone. I wanted to leave so bad but my desire to learn and make deaf friends was stronger so i stayed through my extreme fear. I purchased a few items just as a way to get into a conversation with someone. I was surprised that no one seemed to want to chat after I said i was hearing and learning ASL. I felt i was forcing conversations others didn’t necessarily want. Wanting to leave by way of sneaking out I stayed and rounded the gymnasium many times repeating an interest in items vendors were selling but I was not able to get into a conversation with anyone. After standing in the middle of the room alone and I’m sure visibly shaking from the inside out I decided it wasn’t working out quite like i had hoped so I made my way to the exit and left. Though it didn’t turn out as i had wanted i am however glad that through my anxiety i went and stayed until i was convinced i would get nothing more out of the experience. Could i have done anything differently? I think that experience made me more terrified about trying it again but i want to so badly.

Just subscribed to your channel.I'm a new signer,just takingvtutoring for about 2 months. My teacher's great & said he'd put me in touch w/some events(I'm petrified!!) I told him I was afraid I would be insulting someone if I messed up,didn't want anyone to think I didn't care enough to learn properly. He assured me not to worry. So glad you made a video on this very subject. Not learning in school,just for myself(I'm way past school age) . Never know though when I may need it. He said deaf people would be happy that I was trying to learn ASL.. Wish me luck!!

I’m losing my hearing due to repeated ear infections. I am learning sign because I find it easier to follow gestures than sound.

You guys are great. I love your advice and you are very kind and considerate in explaining how hearing people should try learning sign language.

I know in my hometown the DNO events are not for newer signers, so it's good to always make sure before you head to an event. Also usually your ASL professor will let you know about certain events they want you to go to. It's good just to make friends in the Deaf community because then you have one on one conversation and you know someone that will introduce you to people and make you feel more comfortable.

Thanks so much for the video, ladies! I'm a new ASL student, and I'm just wrapping up my first ASL class at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA. Our teacher, Marnee, echoes pretty much everything you have said in this video. She gave us a LOT of useful tips about what events are very welcoming of new ASL students, and which ones are probably not a good idea to attend. I just attended my first last Saturday. It was a "Holiday Expo" at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, and it was a very positive experience. I was able to communicate with several people there, and each of them happily slowed down for me once they learned that I'm new to ASL. A couple even taught me signs when I finger-spelled something that has a sign, and nobody was impatient or rude to me at all. Probably because this was a school, the people attending were more patient than the average person, but my experience overall with the Deaf community has been that (like Italians) they're OVERJOYED that you know some ASL, and are more than willing to help you out and converse with you. I think it shows that you're accepting enough of Deaf people that you've taken the time to try and learn their language, so they're pleased to have a chat with you in ASL. I think some people expect their first experience "in the wild" to be more like trying to speak French to someone from Paris (they'd really rather that you didn't...LOL!), but it's not like that at all. Of course, I'm sure there are rude jerks in the Deaf community just like anywhere else, but I've been lucky and haven't run into one yet. :) Again, thanks for the video! I look forward to watching more!

Me trying to learn and im definitely need way more learning. And i love that one person is right handed and the other is left handed.

I went to a Catholic Mass in ASL (I'm Catholic). I understood 85% of everything, but couldn't keep up with the prayers. I was so far behind that Mass was over and I was still signing one prayer; it was kinda funny. Everyone was so incredibly patient and nice. I was only able to attend once, as the Arch Diocese decided to close that church two weeks later. Still hoping the congregation will find another home at another church; I would continue to attend.

As a high school ASL student who is passionate about learning the beautiful language and attends many Deaf events this video is SOOO helpful! Thank you!

When I was learning sign language my teacher took us to signing Santa and offered extra credit to sign Christmas songs for those in attendance

So excited that you guys are local! I live in Rochester and our family is learning ASL as our son is Deaf. He attends Rochester School for the Deaf. So excited, I've been following your channel for a while and even have a sister in law due in the next couple of weeks so I send her the pregnancy updates to help her with her receptive ASL! Love you guys!

My first Deaf event was at our local zoo as part of Deaf and HOH Awareness. Growing up in a series of smaller towns, I had never really had the opportunity to interact with deaf or HOH indiviuals. It was AMAZING to see so many individuals in one place, all signing. I was able to chat with a few people, and learned about local resources that were available to HOH people such as myself (my family wasn't supportive on this topic when I was growing up). I was even able to give directions to a woman in ASL without making a total fool of myself, which helped me to relax considerably. One mistake I did make was to take my family with me (husband and two toddlers, all of whom are hearing). I adore my family; however, I felt torn between supporting my partner while he tried to keep track of two rambunctious kiddos, keeping track of the kids in my own right, and paying attention to what was going on around me. It made it harder to interact with people. As I said, my family is hearing and knows very little sign, although they understand more sign than they think they do. So I think that they felt a bit isolated too. I want my family to be comfortable with ASL; however. for now, I think I will leave the family at home until I am more comfortable with ASL and know more people in the local community.

Thank you so much! I am a new signer and also, very socially awkward. This means that I am terrified to attempt a social event.

I’m hearing and been signing since I was 14 and I’m 46 now. I went to the Deaf World Expo in 2012 in Vegas. It was the best time of my life.

Your comment about being really nervous the first event is so real! After going to a few events though, you realize that everyone’s incredibly helpful and Deaf events are a great place to learn about Deaf culture and language.

Thanks! I wanted to go to a deaf event for awhile, I’m a new singer and am kind of nervous but excited

Thanks for your advice! I went to a public deaf event last weekend and had a great time. It was hard because I wasn't sure if it was a no voice zone but there were also interpreters at each table so I had to clarify that I'm hearing so they didn't have to interpret for me. I got to sign with a few deaf individuals at the tables, it was hard but makes me want to keep practicing and learning.

Hello I’m an ASL 2 student at ayala high school and I would like to say that I have been to a few deaf events and am still fairly new. This info is very helpful and let’s me know that I can be confident in what my teacher has told us about the culture and manners. I enjoy watching your videos and this is definitely helpful to new signers!

I have a friend who is deaf. When we first met I didnt know much. But as a hearing person I have learned a lot. And I communicate through ASL with her

LOVE the unearth shirt Jenna!! " My heart bleeds no longer " will forever be one of my favorite songs!

My mom taught me my alphabet in ASL when I was about five and I fell in love with the language. I started reading books and watching videos to learn. I practiced signing song to help learn the language. I know signs but I don't get real communication with others who sign. I work in a hospital and it so rare and in between that I get a patient who is Deaf that I get to sign with. It so hard to find deaf events in my area.

I am a new Signer. I just found your videos today and they are helpful, I never thought to try to go to deaf events but I will definitely look into that!

I just completed ASL II (took my final a few days ago..phew) and I'm going onto ASL III next semester. So far the events I have gone to are interpreted plays but I really need to put myself out there more and go to an event where I can communicate with a lot people. I have such anxiety but I love ASL and I truly want to immerse myself in it. I don't know how to get over this fear...I just don't want to be intrusive/annoying if that makes sense. It also seems that when I practice ASL in class/submit videos/watch videos in class I'm alright (which makes sense cause we're all on the same level)...but at events (like the plays) I totally clam up and just blank out what I've learned! I feel like such a mess

Thanks for this video! I’m going to my first event on June 15 and I’ll admit I’m petrified. Being autistic, I’m generally nervous about social events with new people, doubly so in a new language. But y’all give a sense that there’s patience and an eagerness to help others learn and that is nice to know :)

Hello! I'm on my way to a Thanksgiving Feast sponsored by a local non-profit organization for the deaf community. I'm so excited. This is not my first event. Before 'rona, I attended weekly Deaf Chat gatherings at Panera Bread, local restaurants, and online zoom meetings. I am studying to become a Sign Language Interpreter concentrating in healthcare. I'm looking forward to helping bring the two worlds together. Loved this video. Tips were great.

Thanks for this video, I was really hoping for something like this. I've yet to go to a Deaf Event, although I've been learning to sign slowly for three years; the only type of events (mostly scholastic) I've been to were with my Mom who is an extremely veteran interpreter in Idaho. I currently reside in Burbank, CA. Joining her and meeting deaf people is often horrifying for me as have a lot of social anxiety, also, I fall so low on the experience spectrum next to my Mom, in my mind it makes matters worse and makes me look worse. While I'm not writing music for film, I'm am a spokesperson for Chevrolet, often traveling all over the U.S. and meeting thousands of people. The job has challenged my social anxiety and forced me to become adept at talking with strangers and overcoming the fear of disappointing people, embarrassing myself, and so on; however, this newly found bravery I have for the general populous has not transferred over to deaf interactions. I have such a passion for learning ASL, and such a passion for people... that I find myself shaking and losing my ability to sign just as if I'm on stage for the very first time speaking in front of hundreds of people (something I can now do with a manner of ease). I'm aware of Deaf LA, but just as you mention in your video, I'm afraid to go to an event where my lack of skill is not welcome, more so, although I would say I'm very conversational in ASL, I'm afraid to go to an event where they don't understand anxiety, something I have to worry about whether or not I'm signing or speaking; signing just brings it out more so, and I have less experience in that area. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated. If you don't have time to respond, no worries... thank you for your videos and have a great week.

i live in dc and my first deaf event was the gallaudet homecoming game! i went with a deaf friend and it was an amazing experience! a deaf dad explained the rules of football to us

Thank you for the encouragement and some insight into etiquette when socializing. I’m probably the newest signer watching your channel, just under two months. I’m aware I’ll need to venture out into the deaf community at some point but the thought right now is absolutely terrifying. But thank you for all of the work you put into these videos. It really helps to see relevant information from real people.

Hello you too. I had an experience about a year ago. I went to a deaf even at a local Deaf school here in Philadelphia Pa. PSD. It may have been me and my extreme anxiety but I went by myself. I had pushed myself to go alone when I could not get anyone interested. It was a bazaar the school was having and the principle invited me to come alone after I had inquired about maybe doing some volunteer work at the school while I was learning Asl mostly on my own and then taking an adult class at night at a local high school. i was taught and had read that at deaf events like this they would be friendly and welcoming. I pushed myself hard to go and try to communicate with Deaf people who were selling items but they were pretty short. I expected them to ask my name or where I was learning sign and that didn’t happen. At one time one woman signed hello and I signed hello. Then she ask was i deaf or hearing and I signed hearing but learning ASL she replied back okay, smiled and walked away. Omg my heart dropped to the floor. I now enough Asl, and maybe more to have basic conversation. But I felt she maybe didn’t want to talk with me because maybe I was just learning? I thought I was going to cry or pass out lol. I walked around and purchased items I really didn’t want but thought it would be a great way to practice and learn more sign and communicate with the Deaf community but it didn’t work out for me. I tried to include myself but there was no way to interject in conversations that were already started. Though i wanted to leave i was determined that i was going to push myself and stay. I walked around the room at least 7 times, slowly took a look at items for sale over and over; purchased a few (signing how much, wow beautiful. I love that, ill take that, etc) and smiled at people who were engrossed in conversations. I pretended to need the bathroom so I could sign _bathroom where? Instead of telling me where by using sign they walked me to the Restroom and pointed. I went came back to the room walked it one more time and the anxiety overtook me at that point and I left totally disappointed in myself for several reasons. That experience makes me more terrified to go again when Ian already fighting social anxiety for other reasons lol... I regret leaving but don’t know how I could have stayed longer than I did. Any suggestions on what I could have done different.

Thank you both for this video! I went online and found a d/Deaf coffee night that is new signer friendly, and I'm going to go the next time they have one :') Very excited but a little nervous lol.

I wish Stew had a hour for their blog..

Like that! Great information for beginners.

I'm currently going through college to get my Deaf Certificate and AA in Deaf Studies. Like they said, if your learning, your teacher will have you attend Deaf events. My word of advice if you are hearing and you plan to go...get lots of rest. If you aren't use to being around people signing for hours at a time your eyes tire quickly. You need to make sure you've rested until you adjust. It's still difficult for me for long periods of time. I'd suggest going to a deaf service at a church and wear earplugs to build your stamina. It's defiantly something you need to practice practice practice. Even now, I'm on winter break and my classmates and I know that we need to still practice with each other over our break. It's really important. ASL is the class I need to invest most of my time to.

Very helpful thank you

I love your videos! Our sign language here in the Philippines (Filipino Sign Language) is highly influenced by ASL. I am continuously learning to be fluent in both languages and i remember my first Deaf event, there were a lot of fingerspelling but it does really help when you go to events and meet Deaf friends to help you out. Thank you for you videos we really enjoy it =)

Another suggestion would be to attend a church that has a d/Deaf congregation (you can learn from the interpreter during the service), attend the bible studies, fellowships and potlucks.... It's a very open and accepting environment. (It was one of my first formal events a longgggggggg time ago)

First off, digging the Unearth shirt lol. Anyway, I literally just started learning sign, through self study, I don't personally know anyone in the deaf community but my eventually come across someone in my line of work, I am a firefighter. And I just wanted to learn another language. Anyway, much should I know before attempting to mingle at such an event that you're talking about? I'm excited about learning this language and I'm glad I found this channel!

I'm watching this wearing my NVZ t-shirt! I had no idea you were in rochester!

I go to events at my college I was thinking of going to a silent dinner where you meet at the mall and sign over dinner in the food court I'm nervous but I still want to attend.

Omg you look beautiful! Glowing! ✨

I love watching your site. I try to understand but i am really a beginner, gathering vocab.

Omg I live right near RIT. I could go to that no voice zone! Plus, I plan on transferring to NTID Spring of 2024!

I’m so thankful for this video. I’m in an ASL 2 class right now and with the COVID thing going on we are video chatting with deaf people who usually are in our ASL lab (like the no voice zone you mentioned) and one of the guys was super helpful and very encouraging, the next day I met with another guy and he seemed so annoyed with me he even asked “you’re an ASL student?” even though he knew I was. I was so embarrassed and defeated I told him I’m nervous and my receptive signing isn’t very good but I just felt awful after that session I cancelled my next one because I was worried I would meet with him again. I just feel like I’ll never be accepted by the deaf community and why bother but I just want so badly to communicate with people who tend to be marginalized due to audism. I know it isn’t their place to validate me because it’s their language and culture and I’m just learning about it but I want to feel like I’m going to eventually get it and be accepted. Deaf culture is unique and so special and I just want to show that I appreciate it.

Dack Vernig recently came to our local school for the Deaf and blind. It was so much fun and there was one non-Deaf kid there who had only taken one semester of ASL. He volunteered for one of Dack's skits and he had no idea what was going on. I think Dack caught on to that pretty quick and started to pantomime more than using actual signs so the non Deaf kid could understand and participate more. I think that really shows how open the Deaf community is to other people learning sign language and wanting them to participate in Deaf events and it was a lot of fun to watch.

Thank you so much for making this video!! I have taken two semesters of ASL now and I have really wanted to actually get out there and meet deaf people and practice my signing but I'm way too scared. I'm worried about being an inconvenience to veteran signers who would get frustrated with my limited signing abilities. But this video has given me a bit more confidence and I will try and get myself to an event! If only to sit back and observe for my first time there.

This may be a long one. Sorry. Two thoughts. First my ASL 1 class we had to got to events. This was not mandatory in ASL 2. I haven't been to any events really this semester. I feel terrible because I need the practice. My second thought. This is something that happened to me. I went to the bar with a friend for happy hour. A woman came to the bar, who was Deaf. I talked to her and this was a good conversation for my level. She then asked me to come meet her friends. Now I was immersed with 6 Deaf women. All of us have been drinking. I was in overload, and having so much trouble understanding. I couldn't understand the topic. My head got hot and sweating, mt brain was in pain from the overload. The lady who brought me over finally ended what was happening with a "nice to meet you" and a handshake. This was a discouraging moment for me. Interpreters must go through this at times I assume. I've never had that kind of brain overdrive happen before. I wonder how I do well in my ASL classes, but a moment like this happens. I'm sticking with ASL, but that moment has really made me nervous about future communications with Deaf people. I wonder if I'm just really terrible at it. Is this normal, how to I move past it?

Our nearest deaf events are a 2 hour drive away :(

I didn’t know you guys were at RIT! I’ve missed a lot of videos... but my friend I grew up with is in the NITD program(I think that’s what it’s called). But great advice!

Thank you, I have to go to a deaf event for the ASL class that I'm taking and I was very nervous. I think I'm going to go to the game night at my local deaf center. I'm excited!

I have my first dear event on the 29th and I am VERY nervous!!! I've been teaching myself ASL and I really want to learn more and expand my vocabulary and work on my grammar

this video makes me feel a lot better about trying to go to Deaf events in my area. thanks a bunch guy! Im currently attending college in NYC (LA: Deaf Studies. Ass. Degree) and RIT is definitely an option i've been looking at for my BA; do either of you have any advice or knowledge about the school or the programs they have at RIT? anything would be helpful, thanks!

I really liked your video it was full of helpful info and honestly a little comforting. I'm just finishing ASL 1 and I really love it. I really want to attend a deaf event, but honestly I'm nervous. How can you remember so many signs and sign it all accurately?

I went to a Deaf beach social with a friend and we were so nervous ! We ended up leaving :( we will try again next time

I am teaching myself ASL. I wish we had events. Nearest events are like a few hours away D:

What about the etiquette involving watching deaf people sign without actually being a part of their conversation (yet)?

meet up at the dog park. good ice breaker!

I want to go To an event but having a difficult time finding any in my area. 💕😓💕👌

There are only 2 people in our town, so there aren't events to attend. 1 of them is my age and he would rather write then try to wait on me trying to sign. I have a good family friend who is deaf, so I really need the practice though. I never feel like reading books and watching videos to learn is enough cuz I miss so much of the culture! But I suppose getting to where I can communicate really well with him is what really matters. I just never want him to be excluded. We love him. Any thoughts on what you think the best way for me to learn is? If it's not worth just learning signs then I'll definitely travel to another city to be in a deaf invironment. I'll do whatever it takes

ALL great suggestions! 😎 I totally remember being petrified, I have a few deaf friends. I REALLY have to get back out there 🤗

If anybody sees this- how much ASL should I know before I go to a deaf event? All I know now is basic introductions. How much more do I need to know before I will be more ready to go to a deaf event?

hey ladies how are you and your kiddos? you have two right? do you ladies have any signing videos that applies in the Midwest for things like foods, kitchen signs, basic daily signs that I would need for communicating with the deaf?

Thank you. I’m in Columbus, Ohio and I’m looking for my first deaf event. Where would a person find them publicized?

Anyway, I don’t think i am ready. I love your site though.

Hi there, I also live in Rochester and am studying ASL at UR. I've been trying to find Deaf events to attend but I haven't had much luck finding anything. I know of NVZ but I was hoping to find things while school is on summer break. Do you know of anywhere/how I might find something?

I have not been able to find any deaf events in my area to go to. I am from Ansonia, CT. And I cannot drive due to medical concerns. Would love to go to a deag event when I am out of school, though. I have checked Eventbrite many times and not found any events I can attend.

does RIT still have the no voice zone events?

Courtney I know what helps me with fingering I am really good at picking up spelling I see many hearing PANIC if a deaf spells for spelling u need to think like a hearing person. For example first relax and READ the spelling like when u were in first grade SOUND OUT THE WORD example deaf spells C. A. T. you panic and thiink there is the letter C so what the s the next letter that is coming! Don't think the letter C read the C think what sound does c make????? Sound out c. a. T and u will sound out cat it works!!!if u sound out the letter just remember to sound it out in ur mind.u was all pick up the spelled words much faster. I attended a deaf service at church the deaf pastor spelled Lep I knew he was going to spell out Leprosy I was right because I sounded it out in my head!Sound it out in ur head if u move ur lips u look confused.

In addition thanks for not putting written captions on your video. It’s hard as a new signer to pay attention to your signs and read written captions.

😊

Hi! I’m taking my first sign language class. I was wondering how early in my ASL study you think makes sense to attend a deaf event? How fluent or how much vocabulary do I need before I can really get benefit out of going to a deaf event?

Would having a badge or something alerting to being a noob & apologizing for not being fluent yet maybe asking if possible be patient that am trying best? Would that be good or bad to do? Go non-verbal & expressive verbal issues frequently and trying to learn better but also don't wanna bother folks or centre self when am guest in someone else's community/family/home etc. Know it has made things better for others when I have patch/buttons/bracele alerting im Autistic/Neurospicy am trying best and never intending to be rude so would that be good in this situation too so If someone doesn't wanna deal with a noob they can see ahead of time before wasting spoons and time just to be let down am not able carry fast intellectual conversations yet?

My question is what if you are just failing to understand at all? I feel like when I go to deaf events people will sign and I catch maybe half of what they're saying. I just feel so bad not understand them, and just struggle communicating with people, "No REALLY I don't understand ANYthing." I just feel really bad about this. I am much faster to sign and finger spell, that's not too bad an issue, but understanding different people is really hard for me. What would you recommend to this?

I'm guessing funerals and weddings are not a good idea lol

I am HOH and I am almost deaf in my right ear. Sometimes I also have tinnitus in both ears and cannot hear very well at all. I have a really difficult time knowing what is ok and what isn't ok for me as a HOH person in the deaf and HOH community. I still have hearing in my left ear, but it has also started to have bad days. I get so frustrated feeling like I'm not sure haha. I feel like there are somethings that would really help me, but then I am not sure if it's appropriate for me as a HOH person to get assistance that way. Am I too hearing or not hearing enough? I feel too HOH for the hearing world and not deaf enough to be accepted by the deaf and HOH community. I guess I just really worry about offending people in the deaf/HOH community. I also am teaching myself sign language, but feel really unsure about events. I also cannot wear my hearing aids all the time either due to ear pain etc. So I feel kind of isolated. What is your advice for people like myself struggling to find out where we belong in the Deaf/HOH Community?

I wish this video had been around when I was taking signing classes! My classmates and I were so awkward when we went to events

OK so I am very good with sign language and comfortable but the area around me does not have a big deaf community and I don't have any deaf friends so I want to get out there and meet more deaf people and the events around me are far away like 4 or 5 counties away so what do I do?

If there not any deaf events in my town. What's some thing I want to do?

I feel rude trying to sign. Just like I feel rude speaking other languages to other people. And I feel super stand offish

I wonder why other factions of society don't understand why they shouldn't speak in other languages if they're around other people who don't speak that language.

"Voice off" is good. Voices in deaf space distract hearing people. People who are hh at a gathering might hear something and need to look and see if they are being called. "Voice off", 100%, BUT those who are hh or deaf usually should have a pass. Some people are hh + oral + signing, and "voice off" makes no sense to them; why shut down even one channel?

Oh my name is Laura marina is my sister

I am not a new signer I am hearing but I prefer to sign with no voice the voice is very distracting wow I hate it! It is same as a stero affect e effect.I cannot tell the deaf what to do but I prefer the deaf also not to voice. For me myself I prefer both deaf and hearing to shut the voice.

Mbm vadodara

Boonary

Are you pregnant

I'm a new signer. I just finish my first ASL class. I enjoy singing I wish to be able to converse with people. It's kinda nerve racking because I don't want to be a pain because I'm signing slow or don't understand everything.