Nearly 20 percent of the world’s population is Deaf, about 3.6 percent of America’s population is Deaf, and 0.88 percent of Pennsylvania’s population is Deaf. 

Yet Baldwin and Montour High School are the only schools in Allegheny County that offer ASL in their curriculum. There are over 270 schools in Allegheny County. 

So, why isn’t there more access to learning ASL in public high schools? 

“There are not certified teachers. It is just so new. I think it’ll change in the next 20 years, but right now, we’re at the cusp of it,” Baldwin American Sign Language teacher Lindsey Graney said. 

There are currently 10 Deaf students and more hard-of-hearing students in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District.

ASL 1 classes were brought to Baldwin during the 2022-2023 school year. ASL 2 classes were added the following school year, and ASL 3 classes will be added for the 2025-2026 school year. There is also an ASL Club.

Many Baldwin students have taken an interest in learning ASL, with 59 students enrolled in ASL 1, and 41 enrolled in ASL 2 this year.

Many Deaf and hard-of-hearing people do not get the same school experience as those with hearing, so ASL should be offered at as many schools as possible. When schools add ASL classes, students get to learn a new world language and participate in eye-opening experiences. 

Baldwin’s ASL classes allow students to participate in silent dinners, in which students interact with local members of the Deaf community. They also have the opportunity to visit Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., which is specifically designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing college students.

One activity that many ASL students enjoy is Deaf for a Day. Students spend time during the school day and afterward wearing earplugs to understand what it is like to live with hearing loss. It shows hearing students what kinds of challenges come with everyday life for people with hearing loss. 

Sign language does not only help people with hearing disabilities. It helps children and adults with speaking disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or any condition that limits vocal communication. 

Despite the difficulty of finding people who are fluent in ASL and have teaching certifications, many students believe the work put into finding these individuals is important to help with inclusion and to teach hearing people the beauty of Deaf culture. 

Every student deserves to have access to the resources they need to expand their knowledge and education. ASL is the most important world language, and it needs to be discussed and taught more.