TEDx Talks: "Sign language is my superpower" Austin Vaday

This video is powerful!

Austin Vaday both speaks and signs with passion in his TEDx Talk "Sign Language is my superpower". He explains what it is like being Deaf without access to information, which is the reality for so many Deaf people, and then he emphasizes why Sign Language is so important. 

This video really hits close to home, I have personally experienced what he has gone through. So many times I've been at family functions where I was around many loved ones but felt completely alone because I cannot hear and was not truly included in the conversations. Sign Language is the only way I can truly connect with others. 

At 4 minutes and 35 seconds, Austin mentions the biggest irony when it comes to Sign Language. Hearing Babies learn "Baby Signs" to promote communication early in their development but often Deaf Babies are discouraged to learn sign language because it may hinder their ability to learn how to speak  and understand English. 

"The Greatest Irony" by Maureen Klusza

In andragogy, adult students need to understand why what they are learning is important and useful. I will be sharing this video in my beginner ASL Classes because it outlines clearly why sign language is so important for people to learn and use. 

© Roger Desmarais, 2022