Very mild Cerebral Palsy slightly limits left non-dominant hand, but want to learn ASL basics.

Question

I really want to take an ASL class in the hopes of going through a certificate eventually to pair with my SLP career goal. I can walk and have complete use of my hands aside from independently maneuvering my pinky and ring finger of my left hand. Would this slight dexterity limitation stop me from learning ASL? Thanks!

Answer 1

There are plenty of Deaf persons who also have CP (at varying levels of severity) so you are not alone in being limited in that way. These members of the community have no choice but to communicate with their limitations. So, I would say don't let having CP restrict you in reaching your goal of learning ASL.

Answer 2

Shawn,

Somewhat difficult to answer without seeing how CP affects you personally but from your description it doesn't sound like it should be a significant impediment. If you are right handed then this is the hand you would finger spell with and most information in signing is carried by your dominant hand with your left (non dominant) hand acting more passively in signs.

There are deaf people who also have CP and these individuals also sign. Their signing will be impacted by the severity of their CP but they can manage to make themselves understood by other signers.

Hope my answer is helpful and if you are interested in learning ASL I would be happy to be your tutor.