ASL has been an important part of both of our lives since high school. Along the way, we have had opportunities to learn from Deaf people, serve in the Deaf community, and discover what makes ASL such a meaningful language to us.
Josiah began learning ASL in high school and continued developing his skills while serving an ASL mission in Rochester, New York.
Having Deaf companions gave him a unique opportunity to learn from people who use ASL every day and gain a firsthand appreciation for Deaf culture and communication.
Today, Josiah studies accounting at BYU, where he also manages a tutoring office and works as an ASL tutor. He enjoys helping students become more comfortable using ASL and seeing their confidence grow.
Ariana first became interested in ASL after taking an ASL class in high school. She later served an ASL mission in Washington, D.C., where she worked directly with members of the Deaf community.
That experience gave her the opportunity to use ASL in everyday situations and develop a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture and communication.
Ariana now studies Deaf Studies at Utah Valley University and hopes to become an ASL interpreter. She enjoys sharing what she has learned and helping others discover the value of ASL and Deaf culture.
We started Silver Sign because we wanted to create a place where learning ASL could feel personal, approachable, and connected to real communication.
Neither of us grew up already knowing ASL. We both began learning in high school and remember what it was like to learn the basics and gradually become more comfortable with the language.
Some of our most meaningful ASL experiences came from communicating with Deaf people. Those experiences taught us that learning a language is about much more than memorizing vocabulary.
We want students to have opportunities to use ASL, make mistakes, ask questions, and gradually become more comfortable communicating with other people.
Learning ASL is about more than memorizing individual signs. Our goal is to help students build the skills and confidence to use ASL in meaningful conversations.
Vocabulary becomes more useful when you understand how and when to use it. Lessons can focus on situations and conversations that are relevant to your everyday life.
Learning a language requires active practice. Students have opportunities to sign, respond, ask questions, and work toward becoming more comfortable communicating in ASL.
Our experiences with the Deaf community have shaped the way we understand ASL. We want students to learn the language while also developing an appreciation for the people, culture, and community connected to it.
Whether you're completely new to ASL or have been learning for a while, we'd love to hear about what brought you to ASL and what you'd like to accomplish.