Dallas ISD Camp Combines ASL and Sports to Build Inclusion

Dallas ISD’s Spark ASL and Multi-Sport Camp concluded its month-long session this summer, combining American Sign Language instruction with athletic activities. The program aimed to help students understand deaf culture and learn about the history and experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

The camp included lessons on the ASL alphabet, numbers, colors, and food, delivered through games and hands-on activities. One popular exercise was ASL Telephone, where students signed a message down a line for the final participant to guess. Students also studied the history of deaf individuals, such as William Hoy, the deaf baseball player credited with creating hand signals still used in the sport today.

Athletic components included volleyball, basketball, and swimming. The program ended with a showcase where students presented their learning to friends and family.

Nirali Q., a fourth grader who is hard of hearing, participated in the camp. She stated that she wants to bridge the gap between hearing and deaf communities. "Most hearing people don’t try to communicate with deaf people," Nirali said. "There are two different sides, but I want to be the person who bridges the gap."

Jimena D., a third grader, noted that her favorite part was learning about famous deaf people. Maiya L., a fourth grader, said she wants to learn ASL to help create a more inclusive environment. "If two people are having a conversation, and one is hard of hearing, I can interpret for them," Maiya said.

Ashley Smith, a second- and third-grade deaf education teacher at K.B. Polk Center for Academically Talented and Gifted, served as an instructor. She emphasized that introducing students to ASL at a young age aids communication development. "The ability to learn a language is easier when you’re younger," Smith said. "It helps people with all kinds of communication needs."

Smith expressed hope that the camp will grow and potentially become an extracurricular activity during the school year. "Deaf people don’t view deafness as something to be fixed," she said. "They can’t learn how to hear, but can learn how to sign."