Fullerton College opened its first sign language course, ASL 101, for the fall 2024 semester. So far, students say ASL 101 allows them to connect with and support more individuals.
According to Disability Support Services counselor Bryan Ouchi, who worked on the curriculum, it took seven years to create an ASL program. Following student interest, ASL interpreter and club advisor Heather Skratulia started planning an ASL course in 2017. She collaborated with the Vice President of Instruction, José Ramón Núñez, and the Counseling Department to create the curriculum.
“The purpose is to introduce students to this unique language, teach students how to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing community, and provide a deeper understanding of deaf culture and awareness,” said Ouchi.
(Jamila Abdelkarim)
Second-year student Camila Magallon stated that she took two years of ASL in high school before they cut the class. After hearing about Fullerton College’s new course, she began earning her ASL and Deaf Culture associate degree to become an interpreter. As a retail worker, Magallon often interacts with deaf customers. She felt motivated to learn sign language to better communicate with them.
Third-year graphic design student Allegra Felisan had a similar experience with deaf customers at work.
“After that first experience, it just made me want to figure out how I can be more inclusive, just with how I live my life,” said Felisan.
Felisan noted that she can now participate in full conversations with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals using the basics she’s learned. She said her class provides students with conversation tools and knowledge of deaf culture. Students also learn about opportunities to attend events alongside the deaf community.
To third-year film student Michael Vino, their class has made plenty of progress. He emphasized that students rarely need to use their voices in class.
However, the course isn’t without its challenges. Students mentioned that sign language is very different from English, such as in grammar and syntax.
“Because we’re so wired in English, sometimes we want to sign in English,” said second-year psychology student Bianca Lizetterodarte.
Despite the obstacles, adjunct professor Xiali Wu shared that he’s hopeful for the program. As the department grows, he wants Fullerton College to hire full-time instructors.
Wu explained that these full-time professors would receive their own offices and classes. This would help with office hours, meaning greater accessibility for students.
According to the ASL 101 news report, the four-unit class fits the general education requirement for a foreign language with transfer and an associate degree.
While ASL 101 F is the only sign language course currently offered, Fullerton College will launch ASL 102 in spring 2025.
“I would certainly recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn a unique language, anyone who wants to be an advocate for disability or anyone who just doesn’t know what to do with their hands,” said Vino.
