Community Organizing & Activism

I had the opportunity to interview an amazing leader in the Deaf community, Alyssa Cluff. She currently works as an ASL teacher at Skyridge High School in Lehi, UT. Alyssa exemplifies passion and ambition about teaching ASL and awareness of the Deaf community. Alyssa’s describes her community work as:

1. Planning lessons and instructing the students in learning ASL.

2. Classroom lectures and discussions that facilitate communication between teachers, students, and peers.

3. Provide students with lots of opportunities to understand and practice signs. 

Alyssa has taught the kids that they don’t need to be afraid of Deaf people or people that are different than they are. At the beginning of the year, some of the students are nervous and don’t know what to expect with a Deaf teacher. As the year progresses, they see Alyssa doing all the things they can do. This teaching experience has given the students a better understanding of how Deaf people live.

Alyssa has seen the impact of her efforts as her students see her as a normal person and has helped many students overcome their fears of Deaf people. As hearing people become more exposed to Deaf culture and language, they come to understand that Deaf people are sweet, nice people. 

Alyssa encourages others to be involved in the Deaf community by encouraging students and colleagues to take ASL classes, go to Deaf activities, be involved and aware of what is going on at the Deaf center, say, “Hi” to a Deaf person, and keep an open mind. Together hearing people support and create a bridge with the Deaf community. We need to remember we have something in common with all cultures. Mexico, France, and Germany. We all need to work together to make the world a better place.

The community partner I chose is USDB-Parent Infant Program for Deaf/Hard of Hearing. I researched them by using their website and visiting in-person with PIP Director, Stephanie Morgan.

The Parent Infant Program’s mission is: “Empowering families as an unbiased guide to help the child reach their potential in language, social, emotional, and academic development.”  

PIP addresses the following issues and provides resources and assistance for families.

1.    Support for parents and families in their efforts to understand their child’s hearing loss.

2.    Information, training, modeling, and consultation for parents and family to allow for an increased understanding of their child’s unique needs.

3.    Networking opportunities for families to meet others who have children with hearing loss.

4.    Resources and instruction designed to prepare children with hearing gloss to reach their highest potential in preparation for further education.

The PIP Program impacts the Deaf community by building relationships and supporting families with infants experiencing hearing loss. PIP encourages families to decide for themselves what is best for their child’s unique needs. PIP offers support, new ideas, activities, and networking with others to receive community support and friendship.

PIP is a community organization that takes action to bring education to families and help children reach their highest potential. The role of PIP in the community is to bring awareness of ASL and supporting families navigating life with hearing loss. PIP actively provides increased understanding, community support and genuine interest to families.

Jeralie and I recently organized a proposal to SLCC and received $500 to support PIP in an upcoming activity to the Living Planet Aquarium. SLCC funding will provide a craft and a snack for the families. Jeralie and I will aid in making the craft and distributing the snack. This event is scheduled for March 9, 2024, and invites all PIP families to come together and share a safe place to meet, use ASL, discuss the needs of children, and find support from others. I’m excited to socialize with PIP families and create a welcoming environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children to discover the world and grow in their own unique way.