Friday, February 28, 2020

ASL Not Legally Recognized in the US?



Did you know that five states don’t recognize American Sign Language as an actual language? I didn’t! 

Well State Senator Anna Wishart of Nebraska is trying to change that. She plans to introduce a bill this legislative season. The legal ramifications of this bill would be numerous! Addressing issues with helping children who are deaf or hard of hearing, bettering employment opportunities, more resources and acceptance of their culture, and many many more. 

According to the article below, “20% of Nebraskans have some form of hearing loss, and 1% is culturally deaf.” While not legally recognized in Nebraska, ASL is the fourth most recognized language in America. Iowa recognized ASL only a few years ago.


Here’s a trivia question: What are the other four states that do not recognize ASL as an official language?

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