ASL Lessons: Learn How to Sign with Kerry Thompson

September 26, 2019 BY ELISA LEWIS
Updated: June 1, 2021

Although September is coming to an end, there are still a few days left in National Deaf Awareness Month. That means we’re still celebrating the diversity of Deaf culture and the richness of American Sign Language (ASL) with ASL Lessons. 

In our last ASL Lessons blog post, Aarron Loggins, a former Faces Behind The Screen participant, gave us some inspiration and taught us how to sign “believe in yourself” in ASL. I highly recommend checking that out if you haven’t already! 

Like any spoken language, ASL is rich and complex. Did you know these interesting facts about ASL?

ASL is used by around 500,000 people. ASL is not a signed version of English. It has its own syntax and grammar. Facial expressions and body language help convey meaning to a sign.

 

Learn The Phrase

In this post, Kerry Thompson teaches a phrase that will make you want to move your feet. Kerry is the Founder and Executive Director of Silent Rhythms, an organization adapting dance for people of all abilities. They strive to make dance inclusive to the needs of all individuals. 

In addition, Kerry is an activist. She uses her personal experience as a person with Deafblindness to spread awareness on people living with disabilities. 

Kerry dances salsa in a park with a man. She is wearing a black silent movements tank top and pink pants.

Image Courtesy of Silent Rhythms
I established Silent Rhythms…[as] a way to teach people salsa. It was a way to promote inclusiveness in the arts for people with disabilities. It’s a way to teach people sign language, as well as dance at the same time. It’s really a way to bring people together.Kerry Thompson, Faces Behind The Screen

In the video below, Kerry will teach a phrase for all the dancers out there. Give it a try and feel free to play the video again if you need to! 

 

 

 

 

We hope you enjoyed this ASL Lesson. Stay tuned for more content on Deaf culture!


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