Written by: Abbie Baggerly

What’s your sign?

VSU’s American Sign Language Club will host its annual Deaf, Deaf World event on April 25 in Student Union Ballrooms A, B and C. 

For student convenience, Deaf, Deaf World will be split into two sessions: 10-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2 p.m.  

“Deaf, Deaf World is an event that brings the community together, and it raises awareness of the deaf culture/community in Valdosta and Lowndes County,” Brandon Gaskin, deaf community advocate, said.

The event gives those who can hear the chance to step inside someone else’s shoes and experience what people who are deaf face every day. 

Upon arrival, participants will sign in and enter the ballroom where they will be asked to remain silent for the duration of the event. Individuals will have the opportunity to learn basic sign language that will help them overcome different obstacles throughout the event.

The obstacles are what make this year’s event different.

“In the past, we had different tables set up for students that would represent things such as banks, and they have to figure out how to communicate what they wanted to do,” Gaskin said.

“This year is different; we will have three different rooms where students will not only learn about the communication obstacles that deaf (people) face, but they will also learn about deaf history, resources and so much more,” Gaskin said.

Deaf, Deaf World usually has 400-500 people attend every year, and many professors offer extra credit for participating in the event.