ASL Computer Class

By: Hisu Wheeler

 My name is Hisu Wheeler. Last year I met Judy Fask. I told Judy that there is no place for Deaf people to learn about computers. I asked her about starting a program where Deaf people could learn computers, either through interpreters or students learning ASL. She suggested a program at Holy Cross. Judy sent an email to members of our Deaf Community asking if we would be interested in joining a computer class. Many people responded and were excited to have a computer class taught in ASL. We were happy that Holy Cross ASL students would be teaching us how to use computers. Since Holy Cross students are hearing it was hard at first, but we helped the Holy Cross students with their signing and they helped us to learn the computer. I slowly improved my computer skills. We have class every Wednesday night from 7:00 to 8:15 PM here at Holy Cross. At class, the hearing students sign to us in ASL. Sometimes the communication is difficult, but we usually understand each other. In class, I learned how to type, use Microsoft Word, the internet, and Power Point. I already knew some members of the computer class through my Deaf Club, but through this class I met more friends both Deaf and hearing. This is my second year in this class and I have improved my computer skills greatly. I am so happy this program was started and I thank Holy Cross students for teaching us in ASL. I am so happy that more people are learning ASL.

ASL Computer Class

By: Thomas Dobson

My name is Thomas Dobson. I was born hearing but with a club foot on my right side. When I was four years old, I became sick due to an infection in my left ear and became deaf. Both my parents were hearing and they sent me to see a Speech Pathologist. I went to the Boston School for the Deaf located in Randolph , MA . At the Boston School , I used oral communication and learned to lipread and talk, but I could not use sign language at the school. I transferred and later graduated from high school from the American School for the Deaf. At ASD I learned to use sign language, but I still use oral communication with my family. My experience at ASD has allowed me to use two different forms of communication, ASL and English.

I married my wife Loretta (Wulforst) Dobson who is also deaf and we have been married for 25 years. During those great 25 years, we had four wonderful children who are all hearing. In order to communicate, they have all learned two different ways to communicate, ASL and English. Sign language plays a vital role in our lives.

 ASL Computer Class

By: Peter Letourneau  

My name is Peter Letourneau. I’ve been taking one; one sign tutoring with a Holy Cross senior and have been accumulating some knowledge from this weekly lesson. Her name is Jaclyn Champagne. She is a very good instructor.

I hope to learn a lot more in future sessions to come because these skills may come in handy for me some day. I can now hear out of my left ear, but no longer out of my right ear. With some luck and prayers, I hope to retain what I have left of my hearing. This sign instructor is very useful to me and I would call Jaclyn my new friend at Holy Cross.