For Hearing People: Tips for being a good ally of the ASL Deaf community



{Yes} Using ASL Deaf-made resources on social media or video platforms like Youtube, hiring ASL Deaf business owners, buying books by ASL Deaf authors, etc.



{No} Thinking your basic ASL classes are enough to upload ASL “lessons” to Youtube. Posting signed songs on social media. Developing “sign language” courses without the community.



Your role is to allow ASL Deaf teachers to be on stage.



[Second square]



Think twice before you attempt to teach ASL on public platforms. Ask yourself:



1) Why do you think you are the person to do this, when there are already ASL Deaf-made resources that need to be shared?



2) What are your hidden intentions — are you seeking personal benefit or seeking attention from other hearing people?



3) Did you make the effort to support the ASL Deaf people who are already doing projects similar to yours?



If you do not uplift the ASL Deaf community, you are harming the community. 



Please support the ASL Deaf community’s ecosystem so that you can continue to learn ASL. Honor it.