Listen, don't hear

Walking into Dr. Klein's classroom may be a shock for some students. A U-shaped seating arrangement greets you. While the "all eyes on you" composition of the room may be intimidating for some, it's optimal so that all students can see the professor and each other. After all, the class being taught is American Sign Language 1.

A rich, bright light pours in through the cracks between the blinds, creating warmth in the classroom's still air. The students sit quietly, waiting for class to start. Nothing but the soft hum of the AC and light hallway footsteps can be heard. But the silence isn't eerie or unsettling, it's a playground for visual and gestural communication.

"I want them to recognize that deaf people are just fine. The reason why, is because many people think, 'Oh you poor deaf people... there's something wrong with you. Oh, that's so awful.' But really, it's that deaf people are fine, successful individuals that can do anything that hearing people can. I just want to be an ally and an advocate, and I want them to be as well so they can learn what it is to be an oppressor, and not do that- and know their position, and if they want to work with deaf people, make sure it's with deaf people and not looking down on them. They're seeing them as equals and researching together as equal counterparts."

Dr. Klein's footsteps echoed on the wooden floor of the classroom's front. Quick, precise hand movements kindly gather her student's attention, motioning for them to gather in a circle. Once the students adjust to the correct formation, she pauses to rummage through a hefty black satchel bag. After a few moments of searching, she locates a bright highlighter-yellow stress ball with a big, cheesy smile and glasses decal plastered on it.

The students smile as Dr. Klein points at it. One student even moves to sign, "friend."

A polite wave, followed by the passing of the yellow ball initiates the game demonstrating how to get someone's attention in deaf culture.

The student, now continuing the game, waves at the next student to grab their attention. Outstretching their hands, that student receives the ball, ending with an awkward but polite bow.

This continued while 4 other balls of different types were slowly added to the group. The room was full of student's waving hands, flying bouncy balls and stress balls, and laughter. With no verbal communication, the class understood in unity how to play and enjoy the game.

(1) A wall hanging in Dr. Klein's office.

"This is a hearing-controlled environment. I will always be in an audio-centric environment. This (1) just reminds me to keep going, because the majority of this space is not like me."

Those who come to Dr. Klein's classroom expect to learn American Sign Language; however, that's far from the only thing you will pick up during your time as her student. Understanding deaf culture, customs and respect are foundational parts of the experience. The majority of her students are on the road to becoming ASL interpreters, which requires both fluency in ASL and an understanding of the ethics and strategies of interpreting.

Building future interpreters is not an easy job. Acting as a gatekeeper that teaches those who will be interpreting for the deaf community, Dr. Klein values students who show passion and understanding. That means attending deaf events, practicing with other students and tutors, or even putting your ego aside to listen to the criticism you need to improve your fluency.

Listening, and not just to those who are hearing, is integral. All voices, visual, auditory, or otherwise are equally important. The U-shaped seating arrangement may be unorthodox to some, but it serves as an opportunity for all members of the classroom to be seen and understood.