In honor of National ASL Day on April 15th, students are learning that communication goes far beyond spoken words, thanks to a unique course and an even more inspiring professor.

Mr. Jimmy Challis Gore, a full-deaf instructor, teaches ASLG 1001: Beginning American Sign Language — all without the help of an interpreter. Using visual teaching, facial expressions and direct ASL communication, he guides students through the language in the most immersive way possible.

The 4-credit course introduces the basics of ASL and Deaf culture, and it counts as a foreign language credit at LSU. ASL is the fourth most used language in the U.S., and for many students, this class is their first experience communicating without spoken words — and their first step toward deeper inclusion and understanding.

ASLG 1001 student Riley Gulino said, “But it actually ended up being perfectly fine. He was able to communicate really well just by using the board or writing stuff out. A lot of the lessons we do have are online.”

He also added, “he’s making us laugh all the time and it’s all in sign too and you would not expect the entire class to be in sign to understand what he is talking about but we do because he is such a good teacher.”

Students say learning ASL has changed the way they think about language and connection. And with fall registration underway, there is still time to sign up and experience it for yourself.