Yorktown Schools Launch American Sign Language Program

YORKTOWN,N.Y. - The Yorktown Central School District has launched a new American Sign Language (ASL) course for middle and high school students, a program designed to foster inclusivity and communication while promoting a deeper understanding of the deaf community.

In a press release announcing the program, district officials said there was “growing interest among students to engage with diverse languages and cultures” and cslledcalled ASL “a valuable addition to its foreign language curriculum.” Yorktown is one of the few districts in the region to offer ASL “making this opportunity even more special for students.”

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“Introducing American Sign Language into our curriculum reflects our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment,” said Deirdre Amerling, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “This course not only opens doors for students to communicate with the deaf community but also enriches their educational experience by broadening their cultural perspectives.”

Yorktown’s ASL course includes interactive learning and cultural awareness. Students will engage in hands-on activities, role-playing, and practical exercises to develop their ASL skills. District officials said the course also includes lessons on deaf culture, history, and the role of ASL in the deaf community, “promoting a well-rounded understanding of the language.”

Asked why they decided to study ASL, students cited a wide range of reasons, including personal connections, future career aspirations, and a desire to better understand and engage with the deaf community.

“I was inspired to learn ASL because I have hearing loss myself,” seventh-grader Abigail Brackett said. “I thought it seemed cool to learn how to talk to other people who are deaf. I’m looking forward to learning how to sign my friends’ and families’ names.”

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Fellow seventh grader Aislyn Alongi said her interactions with deaf people inspired her to take ASL.

“I’ve met Deaf people who speak it fluently, and it interested me,” Alongi said. “I’m most looking forward to fully learning the language and being able to communicate with the deaf community better.”

Other students were drawn to the course because they see ASL as an asset in their future studies or careers.

“I wanted to learn ASL because I can use it to help kids when I grow up as a doctor,” said seventh grader Ophelia Cheng.

The course is being taught by Ms. Molly Dineen-Carey, who has used ASL throughout her teaching career while working with deaf or hard-of-hearing students. Officials said Yorktown’s ASL course was carefully designed to meet the New York State Education Department’s requirements for foreign language instruction. Students who successfully complete the course will earn credits that fulfill the state’s foreign language requirements for high school graduation.

“This course is a remarkable opportunity for our students to engage with a new language that not only meets educational requirements but also opens their eyes to a rich cultural experience,” Amerling said. “By learning ASL, our students will gain essential communication skills and a deeper appreciation for diversity that will serve them well throughout their lives.

“We’re thrilled to offer this new course and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our students and the community,” Amerling added. “Learning ASL is more than just acquiring a new language; it’s about embracing a culture and enhancing one’s ability to connect with others.”

Article provided by Yorktown CSD and edited by Yorktown News

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