Join our community
New & Emerging Signers
Support Means...
Meeting You Where You’re At
Don’t know American Sign Language? No problem! At Gallaudet, you can immerse yourself in an American Sign Language and English environment, and discover an entirely new world! When you discover our bilingual way of being, you will have many new opportunities.
Learn ASL Early
Gallaudet Youth Programs
Learn Online
ASL Connect
Learn for Life
ASL Program for New and Emerging Signers
[Video Transcript Start]
[Video presented in English and ASL]
Hey! My name is Warren Snipe.
Everyone calls me WAWA.
I remember when I first came to Gallaudet University,
I didn’t know sign language.
At that time, there was a program called NSP: New Signers Program.
Now it’s called JumpStart.
Looking back, the impact was incredible.
I learned so much about Deaf culture, about myself.
I really grew in my mind and heart. Yeah!
I learned so much about myself as a Deaf person.
With signed communication, I never felt left out.
I felt included.
Without that program, I would not be the person I am today.
Thanks!
YOU should join! Go for it!
[End Video Transcript]
Start Prepared. Start Strong.
The JumpStart: American Sign Language (ASL) Program prepares incoming, first-year, and transfer students for the immersive bilingual experience you will encounter at Gallaudet. After four weeks, you will have the tools and support you need to get the most out of your academic and social experience as a student.
of new undergraduate students are new signers.
of Gallaudet students come from mainstream education.
Student Services for New and Emerging Signers
To support new and emerging signers, we have a variety of personalized services to ensure that you are able to maximize your Gallaudet experience.
Direct ASL instruction
and assessment
Note taking
and assessment
Note Taking
ASL as a curriculum enhancement class
Hearing and Speech Center
The Gallaudet University Hearing and Speech Center (GUHSC) provides audiology, speech, and language services to clients of all ages. At GUHSC, you can benefit from services such as cochlear implant and hearing aid assessments or repairs right on campus!
Make the Full Experience Your Experience
Choosing where you spend your college years can be one of the most impactful decisions you make. Here, you will get connected, feel included, and be inspired from Day One. Don’t settle for anything less than the full experience–thrive at Gallaudet.
There’s Always More to Explore at Gallaudet
Learn ASL with us any time and anywhere
When we say we’ll meet you where you’re at, we mean it! With ASL Connect, you can learn ASL virtually, anywhere in the world. Learn the basics of ASL with introductory videos and interactive lessons, take complete Deaf Studies and ASL courses as an online student, and even earn professional ASL certification as a part of this groundbreaking program.
Lifelong Learning Starts Early
Gallaudet Youth Programs are a great opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing students to expand their ASL skills and learn more about Deaf history and culture in their elementary, middle school. and high school years. With instruction designed to match your skill level, there is always something to learn and room to grow as you take your first steps into the immersive experience of being a Gallaudet student.
