ASL program sees major expansion | the FLOR-ALA
A Deaf professor at UNA has spent the last eight years fighting for ASL representation across Florence.
UNA Professor Michael Reutter has taught American Sign Language at UNA for eight years, but has opened up club events and silent lunches for the Florence community. This fall, Reutter plans to expand the ASL program to include two more classes: ASL 201 and ASL 202.
“I’ve worked so hard to develop these ASL classes, ASL club, and recruit students over the summer,” said Reutter. “I am so excited to see [these new classes] this year.
Since its introduction in 2015, ASL enrollment rates have grown from 24 students to over 160 students.
“I see these subjects: criminal justice, elementary education, nursing, psychology and social work,” said Reutter. “If I have enough students sign up for ASL 201 and ASL 202. It will help these new classes [keep growing].”
These ASL classes will not only teach people ASL syntax, new signs and Deaf culture, but also demystify speaking with Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
While these classes will be offered next year, introducing these classes has been a long road.
