How a Small Colorado School Embraced ASL for One Student, Enriching All
Alta Vista Charter School, a K-6 institution nestled in the rural southeastern Colorado town of Lamar, serves a close-knit community of just 131 students. One year ago, the arrival of a new kindergartner presented the school with an uncharted but ultimately transformative journey into the world of American Sign Language (ASL). Now, as Ash moves on to first grade, an entire community is ready to support him.
Talara Coen, the school administrator, admits there was some initial trepidation heading into his kindergarten year. Even though he had attended a district preschool, the unknown loomed large with Ash, she admits.
“We weren't sure of the severity of his hearing loss, how we would communicate effectively, how to make sure he felt included, and how difficult it would be to support him academically and socially.”
Adding to the apprehension was a natural concern about student acceptance, even at a school whose mission includes excellence in character. “As always though, explains Coen, “The unknown is worse in our minds than reality! The opposite is what happened, and it's been amazing.”
In fact, this delightful young student is teaching an entire community.
Driven by Curiosity and Kindness
According to Coen, Ash's integration and that of ASL happened organically. Aided by his Baja device, Ash hears fairly well, so while he observes ASL, he wasn’t yet signing himself. This paved the way for both the student body and staff to naturally adopt ASL alongside him.
“We started a 'sign of the week' that we taught to the students and staff, things that would help him, like 'bell,' 'wash hands,' 'drink,' 'good morning,' etc.” While older students have learned the basics, the impact was most profound on Ash's kindergarten classmates, who saw it in action all day, every day.
“I've just been amazed at how gentle and accepting our students have been, how they truly want to communicate with him and learned how to listen and slow down with him,” shares Coen.
She says all of his classmates ensure he is taken care of, noticing and responding to needs. Looking ahead, as Ash develops his own ASL skills, the school aims to expand opportunities for all students to learn ASL, an endeavor Ash’s interpreter is happy to support.
“Her name is Miranda Kemp,” says Coen, “and she is truly brilliant at her job!”
Miranda not only ensures Ash’s needs are met, but also holds staff and students accountable for including him and finding ways to communicate. This past summer, she taught an ASL class for professionals as well as a general class for students at the local library.
A Culture of Belonging, Connection and Empathy
Coen's message to other families and schools facing similar journeys is simple, “Just jump in and go,” she shares. “You'll never be completely ready or prepared. Just have a willingness to learn, and know that it's all about making sure all students feel a sense of belonging, connection, and empathy for all needs.”
She herself finds inspiration daily, watching students and staff “embrace Ash and step up to the challenge of not only including him but also learning his language.”
It’s a testament to how embracing the differences of one can lead to unexpected and profound enrichment for an entire school community.
