ASL Club Hosts Events to Bridge the Gap Between Hearing and Deaf Communities

The ASL Club hosted its first Deaf Coffee Chat event in February, where attendees enjoyed light refreshments, played games, and learned more about one another as students and members of Deaf culture. Over 60 people attended the inaugural event.

Alyssa Pollock, founder and president of the American Sign Language (ASL) Club, saw the need for this resource as a student at Middlesex College after participating in community Deaf events. “Instantly, it built my confidence and made me excited to not only keep attending Deaf events but create one,” said Pollock. She plans to study English Education with a minor in ASL at Kean University this summer.

“We were in shock when ASL students and members of the Deaf community from all over the state came to be with us on this day,” says Middlesex College ESL, Languages and Cultures professor Crystal Shook. “ASL students from Kean University, Seton Hall University, Ramapo University, Brookdale Community College, John F. Kennedy High School, Colonia High School, and several other programs joined us. Many of our ASL professors at Middlesex College came to support their students in their efforts to communicate in ASL.”

The club, which was re-established during the 2024-2025 school year, allows students to continue learning ASL and about Deaf culture outside of the classroom.

“Unfortunately, a part of our society continues to participate in audism—a form of discrimination against deaf/hard of hearing individuals,” said Shook. “This is why our ASL Club takes the time to recognize the importance of not only the language but also the unique culture. In hopes of building more awareness, we also strive to prevent audism in our community and promote equality among the deaf and hearing.”

Jay Hicks, deaf professor of ASL at Caldwell University, says that Deaf Coffee Chat events are “so much fun.”

Faith, a member of the Deaf community and consistent attendee at the events, appreciated meeting the students.

“They are friendly and show interest in learning ASL and asking questions,” Faith said.

“Some students may feel discouraged from learning ASL as a new language; some feel they are too old, busy, or that it may be too difficult,” Pollock expressed. “It’s true—learning any new language and the culture it stems from is no piece of cake. However, the one fact I give which usually makes people more comfortable with the idea of learning ASL is this: the ASL and Deaf/Hard of Hearing community has everyone—this community is filled with men and women, youth and elderly, black and white, gay and straight, and all other forms of representation we equalize today. The Deaf community is one which is welcoming and diversified.”

Deaf Coffee Chat is hosted on the third Saturday of each month, with the next one on April 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about ASL Club upcoming events and locations by following their official Instagram page: @mcnjaslclub.