My passion for American Sign Language (ASL) began inside the confines of my own school. Inspired by videos from the deaf community, I found myself engrossed in decoding this amazing visual language. The fleeting establishment of an ASL club at my school whetted my interest further only for it to be extinguished too soon. Like me, there are many who aspire to master ASL and advance their language comprehension abilities but are unable due to inadequate schooling provisions.

American Sign Language is the primary language of many deaf North Americans, moreover it's the third most commonly used language in the United States (according to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders). However, in New York schools, ASL is not regularly offered as a language option. This not only deprives students the chance to broaden their linguistic knowledge but also restricts their ability to communicate with a substantial community of deaf and hard-of-hearing peers.

By adding ASL to the list of languages taught in schools, we not only provide students an opportunity to learn a rich, expressive language but also promote inclusive communication. If ASL were taught in schools, many more hearing individuals would have the chance to foster connections with deaf individuals, leading to increased understanding and empathy.

This petition calls for the inclusion of ASL in the language curriculum in New York schools. Let's give our children the means to be more inclusive, respectful and understanding to all. Please support this cause by signing this petition.