Why ASL Belongs in Every Classroom (and How Small Steps Can Make a Big Difference)
Building Bridges with Duke: A series exploring the deeper lessons of self-advocacy, belonging, and resilience through Duke’s new chapter books.
At a recent education conference, I had the privilege of hearing a keynote address by Dr. Erik Carter, a renowned expert in special education and inclusion. He talked about the evolution of educational placements—from separate classrooms to pull-outs, to inclusion, and finally to belonging. While I can’t remember his exact words, the concept stuck with me. Inclusion says, “You’re welcome to be here.” Belonging says, “You fit here. You’re part of the group.”
That idea resonates deeply with my dreams for better relationships between people with typical hearing and the Deaf community. Senator Ben Sasse discusses in Them how Americans are lonelier than ever, yearning for real connections in a fragmented world. Belonging is a higher calling—it’s about truly being part of the group, not just physically present. Imagine how transformative it would be if every classroom taught students enough ASL to connect with their Deaf classmates, coworkers, or neighbors. Fluency is great, (and yes, we really need more interpreters), but it’s more about making an effort and showing that everyone matters.
Moving from Inclusion to Belonging
I know ASL isn’t a magic wand that will solve all the challenges in education. But I do believe it’s one small, powerful step toward fostering belonging and connection in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. And sometimes, those small steps lead to the biggest changes.
Here’s the thing: ASL isn’t just some niche skill—it’s actually the third most used language in the United States, right after English and Spanish. Europeans might juggle five languages in their daily lives like it’s no big deal, but here in America, we’re lucky if we can stumble through high school Spanish. Learning a little ASL is useful and it’s part of being a good neighbor. Plus, it’s way more fun than conjugating verbs (seriously, no irregular signs to memorize).
I’ve seen the difference belonging makes. It’s powerful.
A Holiday Table Transformed
One coworker changed that. They learned some simple conversational signs: “Good morning,” “Coffee?,” and “How are you?” At the holiday party, I watched them chatting, laughing, and swapping stories about family, office gossip, and hobbies. That coworker’s willingness to try—not perfectly, but sincerely—made the Deaf employee feel like they belonged. Meanwhile, I couldn’t help but feel sad for everyone else—they had missed out on years of connection with a talented, funny, and creative person because they hadn’t tried.
A Classroom That Embraced Belonging
Another time, I visited an elementary school in a small town with a Deaf student in the class. A group of kids, led by the student’s closest friends, had learned enough ASL to communicate during group work, at recess, and at lunch. Watching those interactions was pure magic.
Years ago, I worked in an office where a Deaf employee spent years feeling isolated. Most coworkers didn’t know more than fingerspelling, and casual chats over coffee or lunch rarely included them—not out of malice, but because no one knew how to bridge the gap.
The Deaf student wasn’t reliant on an interpreter to join small group work for every interaction. They were just one of the kids, playing, laughing, and learning. The student wasn’t just “accommodated”; they were embraced. The classroom was practicing inclusion in its most beautiful form–as belonging.
Belonging Isn’t Where, It’s How
Dr. Carter’s research on individuals with intellectual disability, autism, and other developmental disabilities in schools, workplaces, communities, and congregations shows that true belonging isn’t just about where you are—it’s about how you’re seen, welcomed, and valued. He emphasizes the importance of building communities where everyone feels like they fit.
Inclusion invites someone into a space: “You can join us.” Belonging is “We need you here.” It’s the difference between being invited to the party and being asked to help plan it. Teaching ASL in the classroom helps Deaf students in the short term. In the long term, it enriches everyone’s experience, fostering empathy, communication, and belonging.
How You Can Help Build Belonging
Belonging starts with small actions. Here are some practical steps you can take today:
- Learn Basic ASL Vocabulary
Start with the signs for “hello,” “thank you,” “how are you,” and “friend.” Resources like Duke the Deaf Dog’s books and videos are perfect for beginners, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about ASL. - Share What You Learn
Teach your kids, students, or coworkers a new sign each week. Make it a fun activity, not a chore. You can even turn it into a challenge: “Who can remember last week’s signs?” - Engage With Deaf Culture
Watch videos or follow Deaf creators on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Channels like Kelly’s YouTube, featuring ASL storytelling with Amy Willman, offer engaging ways to learn about Deaf culture. - Get Involved Locally
Look for ASL classes, Deaf events, or community gatherings in your area. Meeting people face-to-face helps break down barriers and builds real relationships. - Encourage Your School to Include ASL
Advocate for your child’s school to incorporate ASL into its curriculum. Duke the Deaf Dog’s books and videos can be an easy entry point for teachers who aren’t fluent but want to start somewhere. - Explore Additional Reading and Resources
- Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal by Ben Sasse explores the loneliness epidemic and how connection can heal it.
- Dr. Erik Carter’s work on inclusion and belonging is a treasure trove of insights for educators and parents alike. Learn more on ErikWCarter.com.
A World Where Everyone Belongs
While Duke the Deaf Dog is a cute children’s book character, more importantly he’s a reminder that connection starts with effort. Loneliness and disconnection are growing problems. As former Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse discusses in Them: Why We Hate Each Other—and How to Heal, Americans are lonelier than ever. But we can change that, one small action at a time. Teaching ASL is one way to create classrooms, workplaces, and communities where everyone feels like they belong.
And look, I get it—this blog post isn’t going to solve all of education’s problems or give you every ASL resource under the sun. Think of it more like an appetizer platter: a little taste to whet your appetite for belonging (and maybe for Duke the Deaf Dog’s adventures too).
I’m not claiming to have all the answers, but if this article got you thinking or inspired you to learn even a few signs, that’s a win in my book. The next step? Check out Duke’s books, explore some ASL videos and Deaf content creators, or just start practicing “thank you” in the mirror. Remember, it’s not about doing it perfectly—it’s about doing it with heart.
Resources and Links to Explore
- Dr. Erik Carter’s Work on Inclusion and Belonging
Learn from a leading voice in special education: ErikWCarter.com - Duke the Deaf Dog Books and Videos
Start your ASL journey with engaging stories and practical tools: Duke the Deaf Dog - YouTube: ASL Storytelling with Amy Willman
Watch ASL come to life with Duke’s stories: Kelly’s YouTube Channel - History of Sign Language on Martha’s Vineyard
- Read more about a community where hearing people used sign language daily Martha’s Vineyard Deaf History
Take Action Today
Every story matters. Learn a sign. Teach your kids. Start a conversation. Together, we can create a world where everyone belongs.
Let’s take those small steps together. Who knows? One day, you might find yourself signing “Good morning!” to a neighbor or chatting about coffee with a coworker. And trust me, that’s where the magic begins.
Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.
Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.
A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.
