Sign Language with Chelsea L.

Hello there! Glad to see that you're interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL)! You've come to the right place. With me, you will not only learn ASL but Deaf Culture as well! BACKGROUND: I was born deaf and ASL was my first language. My parents and brother are deaf as well! I have always found myself teaching hearing people (people who can hear) ASL. I graduated from Gallaudet University, the only deaf university in the world, with a Bachelors degree in Psychology. After graduating, I moved to Boston, Massachusetts to work as a mental health outreach specialist for deaf individuals. While working there, I have become frustrated with the lack of accessibility for the deaf individuals. As an individual who was raised bilingual (ASL and English), I am privileged to be able to rely on written English when there are no ASL interpreters. Most deaf individuals are only dominant in ASL and have no English fundamentals. With this being said, when accessibility becomes an issue, deaf people are often left in the dark. This has given me the drive and motivation to become a deaf interpreter. A deaf interpreter is a cultural mediator between the ASL interpreter and the deaf individual. Besides working as a mental health worker, I teach ASL for families with deaf and hard of hearing newborns. Once or twice a week, I would go to families' home to teach them ASL and model how to sign with their deaf and hard of hearing children! I also do contract work as an English to ASL translator. Currently, I work as a deaf interpreter and am nearing the completion of my Masters of Sociology from New Mexico State University. In the summer, I will be moving to Denver, Colorado! SERVICES PROVIDED: Please do contact me if you have any questions! Looking forward working with you!