The necessity to spread awareness and bridge the communication gap between deaf and hearing people is a personal crusade. In every community, there are more deaf individuals than we realize, all deserving of the right to express themselves and communicate with others. Overcoming the language barrier requires proactive measures, specifically by integrating American Sign Language (ASL) into ongoing education. This education should start in elementary school, similar to the emphasis placed on subjects like music and P.E.

Assuming the responsibility to facilitate easier communication and interaction, we ask the Alpine School District to introduce ASL as a compulsory part of the curriculum in all their schools. This step will educate hearing students about Deaf culture and ASL, thereby fostering an inclusive environment for deaf and hard of hearing students.

According to the National Deaf Center (NDC), approximately 3.7% or 11 million of the American population is deaf or hard or hearing. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about 2 to 3 out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. More than 90%of deaf children are born to hearing parents. Approximately 15% of American adults (37.5 million) ages 18 and over report some trouble hearing.

In light of these facts, it is paramount that we equip the younger generations with the necessary skills to facilitate effective communication with the deaf community at a societal level. This initiative does not merely represent an educational reform, but it is also a pivotal stride towards inclusivity and mutual respect. Your signature can influence a major shift in our education system and bring about a landmark change in the social integration of our deaf and hard of hearing peers. Please sign this petition to ensure ASL education in all schools of the Alpine School District.