ASLize Your Life

🤟💙 Don't throw things to get a Deaf person's attention.
There are respectful ways to get someone's attention—and throwing objects at them isn't one of them.
Instead, try:
✋ A gentle wave in their line of sight
👋 A light tap on the shoulder (when appropriate)
💡 Flashing the room lights (in the right setting)
🦶 A gentle stomp to create vibrations if they're nearby
Using respectful attention-getting methods is part of understanding Deaf culture and helps everyone communicate comfortably.

There’s a Deaf content creator couple who has become popular over the past few weeks. Some of their reels are funny, but the husband repeatedly calls his wife “stupid” in their videos.

It’s starting to feel like their signature: “The wife is stupid—let’s laugh at her and gain popularity from it.” Come on. You can be funny without constantly putting your wife down. Do better.

🤟💙 Interpreter Tip: Avoid side conversations.
When an interpreter is actively interpreting, side conversations can be distracting for everyone involved. They can make it harder for the interpreter to focus and may cause important information to be missed.
If you need to have a separate conversation, it's best to wait for a break or move to another area when possible.
Helping reduce distractions supports clear communication and shows respect for the Deaf participant, the interpreter, and everyone in the conversation.

👋🤟 Use a person's first and last name when introducing them. 💙
In the Deaf community, it's common to introduce someone using both their first and last name, especially the first time they're mentioned. This helps avoid confusion since many people may share the same first name.

After the introduction, you can usually use their first name or, if appropriate, their sign name.

It's a simple habit that makes conversations clearer and helps everyone know exactly who you're talking about.

👶🤟 Deaf children deserve language access from birth. 💙
Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and thrive from the very beginning. Early access to a fully accessible language—like American Sign Language—can support healthy language development, learning, and meaningful relationships.
Giving Deaf children access to language isn't just about communication—it's about giving them the opportunity to grow, learn, and participate fully in the world around them.

🚶‍♀️🤟 Walking between two people signing? That's okay! 💙
In Deaf culture, it's perfectly customary to walk between two people who are signing if you need to pass. You don't have to wait for the conversation to end.
A simple smile, a quick "excuse me," or a small wave of acknowledgment is considered polite. Deaf signers will usually pause for a moment and then continue their conversation.

🍽️🤟 Don't order for a Deaf person. 💙
If you're dining with a Deaf person, let them order their own meal. Even if an interpreter is present, the conversation should stay between the server and the Deaf customer.
If communication is needed, the interpreter will interpret—but the Deaf person should have the opportunity to ask questions, make choices, and place their own order.
Respect independence. Respect communication. 💙

🤟 Interpreter Etiquette 101 💙
If you're speaking with a Deaf person and an interpreter is present, talk directly to the Deaf person—not the interpreter.
👀 Make eye contact with the Deaf person.
🗣️ Speak naturally at a normal pace.
🤝 Let the interpreter do their job of facilitating communication.