Gallaudet University Supports Incoming Students with ASL Program

At Gallaudet University, known for serving deaf and hard-of-hearing students, not every newcomer arrives fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). To address this, the university offers a valuable program that helps bridge the gap for those unfamiliar with ASL.

The program, titled ‘JumpStart,’ is an ASL immersion orientation designed to prepare students before the official beginning of classes. Many newcomers participate in engaging activities, such as games, to enhance their understanding and use of sign language. An example of these activities includes a deduction-based game where students identify roles among themselves, promoting interaction and practice in a fun setting.

On August 21, students were seen engaging in one such activity, communicating in sign language as they deduced who among them might be the ‘assassin.’ These experiences offer students an immersive start, helping them integrate into the Gallaudet community and ensuring they are better prepared for their academic journey.