Deaf Games take place as part of Deaf Awarness Week Wednesday
Although many games were in progress inside the Indoor Activity Complex Wednesday night, the room remained nearly silent.
The American Sign Language Society's Deaf Awareness Week continued with a Deaf Games event where students and community members used sign language to play four traditional games from 7 to 9 p.m.
“These are games that deaf children often play growing up,” said the registered student organization's President and Madison Heights sophomore Natalie Gordinier. “It’s a fun, interactive event for everyone. People are able to put themselves in the shoes of the minority.”
There was no formal structure to the games and people came and went as they pleased. The track bay of the IAC was set up with different stations where participants could play bingo, the "animal game" and other interactive games.
Players were encouraged to only speak when necessary, but interpreters were available at every game station.
Frankenmuth freshman Chad Storey was excited to learn signs to different animals through the "animal game." For this game, participants picked an animal sign and continued the game by repeating someone else’s sign.
“I know nothing about American Sign Language,” Storey said. “I’m glad I came though, I’ve learned a lot of stuff. I think it’s great for everyone to know a little bit of sign language.”
Rockford sophomore Molly Clark attended the games as part of her ASL 101: American Sign Language Level I class. She participated in a panel event for last year’s DAW and said it was a good way to build on her ASL minor.
“I was a little intimidated at first with all the sign language used, but I caught on pretty fast,” Clark said. “I really like this event though.”
The games were the sixth event of DAW, which started Monday and will end on Thursday with “ASL Rocks,” a mock rock type show that will take place in Pearce Hall room 127 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Communication Disorders professor Christine Taylor said in an e-mail that DAW is an annual celebration of the culture, language and heritage unique to individuals who are deaf.
The week's celebrations are observed by various international, national, state and local organizations.
Taylor, who was born deaf, said she hopes the week can show that deaf people can do anything hearing people can, except hear.
“(Deaf Awareness Week) is a great way to educate people about deaf people, language and their culture,” Taylor said. “I believe the more people are educated, the more accepting they will be with deaf people.”
