FAQs

WHAT IS AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE?

American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete, natural language that serves as the primary mode of communication for many deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and parts of Canada. ASL uses a combination of handshapes, movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning.
American Sign Language is not universal sign language. Countries and regions have sign languages, such as British Sign Language (BSL) or French Sign Language (LSF).
Key aspects of ASL include: Grammar and Syntax, Visual Nature, and Cultural Connection.

Have questions about learning ASL? We’ve got answers.

Silent Angels Communications is proud to introduce our new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) hub — designed to help families, schools, libraries, and community partners explore the beauty of American Sign Language with confidence.

Whether you’re curious about class levels, pricing, accessibility, or how ASL can strengthen your organization’s inclusivity, our FAQ page gives you clear, culturally competent guidance you can trust. Start your ASL journey with clarity, confidence, and community. Visit our FAQ section today and discover how Silent Angels Communications makes learning ASL accessible for everyone.

Immerse yourself by attending Deaf events, such as silent dinners, coffee chats, or cultural festivals.
Watch TV shows or movies with ASL, such as Switched at Birth, CODA, Mr. Holland Opus, Love is Never Silent, or Helen Keller.
Learn about Deaf culture and how essential for meaningful communication is. Read books, watch documentaries, and engage with the Deaf community.
From Zoom sessions to in‑person workshops, from youth programs to adult beginners — we break it all down so you can choose the perfect learning path.

CULTURE AWARENESS

Learning ASL helps you connect with a wider range of people and make meaningful friendships. Learning the process of learning ASL fosters understanding and patience in the Deaf community.
By knowing ASL, you can advocate for accessibility and inclusion in your community and workplace. It offers a different way of thinking and expressing ideas, enriching your overall worldview. Knowing ASL can be invaluable in situations where verbal communication isn't possible, such as emergencies or noisy environments.
American Sign Language features its own grammar and syntax, functions as a visual language, and includes unique vocabulary and a structured fingerspelling system.

There are no verb conjugations or articles; you can start using basic signs and fingerspelling right away to communicate simple ideas.

What makes ASL challenging?

ASL can be challenging because it operates as a completely different language system from English. Learners must adjust to:

Different grammar and syntax — ASL doesn’t follow English word order; it uses topic‑comment structure, spatial grammar, and visual logic.
Visual communication — meaning is expressed through handshape, movement, facial expressions, and body language, not sound.
New vocabulary — signs are conceptual, not word‑for‑word translations of English.
Fingerspelling — learners must build speed, clarity, and recognition of spelled words in motion.
Non‑manual markers — eyebrows, mouth movements, and facial expressions change meaning and grammar.
Spatial awareness — ASL uses space to show relationships, timelines, directions, and role‑shifting.
Cultural understanding — learning ASL means learning Deaf culture, values, norms, and communication etiquette.

ASL may feel challenging at first, but with dedication and consistent practice, most learners find it highly rewarding.
Participants quickly discover that ASL isn’t “English on the hands.” It requires visual attention, expressive communication, fingerspelling fluency, and an understanding of Deaf culture.
At Silent Angels Communications, we guide learners through these challenges with patience, clarity, and culturally competent instruction that makes ASL accessible for everyone.

Laws

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

https://www.ada.gov/

Overview: The ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public accommodations.

ASL Relevance: Requires businesses, government agencies, and public institutions to provide reasonable accommodations, including qualified ASL interpreters, for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Ensures effective communication in settings like healthcare, legal proceedings, and education.

INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA)

https://www.ada.gov/

Overview: IDEA ensures that children with disabilities, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing, receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

ASL Relevance: Schools must provide ASL interpreters and other accommodations for students who use ASL. Encourages the inclusion of ASL as a part of individualized education programs (IEPs).

REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973 (SECTION 504)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/statutes/section-504rehabilitation-act-of-1973

Overview: This law prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs and activities receiving federal funding.

ASL Relevance: Requires federally funded institutions to provide ASL interpreters and ensure accessibility for Deaf individuals.

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/TitleVI

Overview: Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally assisted programs.

ASL Relevance: This applies when Deaf individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) require ASL services to ensure equal access.

STATE-SPECIFIC ASL RECOGNITION LAWS

https://rid.org/programs/gap/state-by-state-regulations/

Many states officially recognized ASL as a language and allowed it to fulfill foreign language requirements in schools and universities. Some states have additional laws ensuring access to ASL interpreters and services.

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT (ACA)

https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/affordable-care-act/

Overview: Requires healthcare providers to ensure effective communication with patients, including providing ASL interpreters when necessary.

ASL Relevance: Protect the rights of Deaf individuals to access medical care without barrier

VIDEO RELAY SERVICES (VRS) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT

https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/video-relay-services

Overview: The Telecommunications Act ensures access to communication technologies for individuals with disabilities.

ASL Relevance: Supports services like Video Relay Services (VRS), which allow Deaf individuals to communicate via video calls with ASL interpreters.

WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT (WIOA)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa

Overview: Focuses on improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

ASL Relevance: Promotes the use of ASL interpreters and accessible training programs for Deaf job seekers.

These laws collectively protect the rights of ASL users, ensuring equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and public services.

Resources

🎓 Colleges & Universities Offering ASL & Interpreting Programs ⭐ Mid‑Atlantic Region (Closest to Maryland / DMV) These are especially relevant for your audience. Gallaudet University — Washington, D.C. World‑renowned Deaf university offering ASL, Deaf Studies, Interpretation B.A./M.A., and advanced linguistic research. Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) — Maryland ASL & Interpreting Program (A.A.S.) with strong ties to Maryland interpreting agencies and Deaf community. Towson University — Maryland B.S. in Deaf Studies; pathways toward interpreting and accessibility careers. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) — Virginia ASL courses and an Interpreter Preparation Program (IPP). University of Maryland, College Park ASL courses and Deaf culture electives through the Hearing & Speech Sciences department. ⭐ Northeast Region Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) / NTID — New York National Technical Institute for the Deaf; premier interpreting, ASL, and Deaf Studies programs. CUNY – Hunter College — New York ASL courses and Deaf Studies minor. Bloomsburg University — Pennsylvania B.A. in ASL/English Interpreting; one of the strongest ITPs in the region. University of Connecticut — Connecticut ASL courses and Deaf culture curriculum. ⭐ Southern Region Valdosta State University — Georgia B.S. in ASL/English Interpreting. University of Tennessee — Tennessee ASL courses and Deaf Studies minor. Austin Community College — Texas Highly respected Interpreter Training Program (A.A.S.). Lamar University — Texas B.S. in American Sign Language and Interpreting. ⭐ Midwest Region Columbia College Chicago — Illinois B.A. in ASL-English Interpretation; strong visual language and Deaf culture integration. Kent State University — Ohio ASL/English Interpreting B.S. program. St. Catherine University — Minnesota Master’s in Interpreting Studies & Communication Equity; ASL courses. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee — Wisconsin ASL Studies and Interpreter Training Program. ⭐ Western Region California State University, Northridge (CSUN) — California One of the largest Deaf Studies and interpreting programs in the U.S. Ohlone College — California Nationally recognized Interpreter Preparation Program. Western Oregon University — Oregon B.A./M.A. in Interpreting Studies; ASL Studies. Utah Valley University — Utah ASL & Deaf Studies B.A.; Interpreter training.