DCI Tips and Resources

Deaf Events and ASL Events are two different things. Deaf Events usually mean they are centered around Deaf people. You are in their space. ASL events are geared toward students to provide a safe learning environment for learning ASL and to foster attendance in Deaf Events. The ASL club hosts ASL events so that you have a safe learning environment. However, it is not always possible for some ASL events to be counted as DCIs. It is crucial to balance both. You are encouraged to find Deaf events. However, keep in mind that if you attend our ASL events and are a member, you can enter a raffle to win a prize at the end of the semester. Plus, the more events you attend, the higher your chances of winning a prize. For each event you attend, your name will be added again to the raffle drawing.

As for DCIs, students are encouraged to attend DCIs because learning a language without interaction with the Deaf Community is like learning to swim without water. Also, having good grades in your ASL class does not make you a successful member of the Deaf Community. It is not enough. If you work hard to engage yourself with Deaf people, they are more likely to accept you. However, finding a Deaf event may be challenging. Here are some places around DFW that you can try. You can Google the names of organizations, and the information will pop up.

Follow the Deaf Night Out group on Facebook.
Subscribe to www.deafnetwork.com to get event updates, or check their website regularly.
Look at DFW and Texas resources modules in Canvas
Look for event flyers through the ASL club page on Canvas, Facebook, and in classrooms
Look into events hosted by New Life Deaf Fellowship Church or First Deaf Dallas Church
Look into the Deaf Action Center
Look into the Dallas Association for the Deaf
Look into North Texas Performing Arts - Deaf Theatre
Look for flyers posted in the ASL lab on the Trinity River Campus
and many more! (You can also travel to find Deaf events if you like. For example, Austin, TX)

If you see an event and you're not sure if it's considered a Deaf event or not, please get in touch with your teacher in advance and allow him or her to review your event. Please first acquire approval from your ASL teacher.

Do's and Don't Tips:

When attending a Deaf event with your hearing ASL classmates, DON'T sit with your ASL classmates to interact. GET UP and greet DEAF people! Talk to DEAF people! You are least likely to be accepted if you sit with your ASL classmates for the WHOLE time.
Do not use your voice. You are entering a Deaf space. It is their time to get access to information. If you talk, you are taking that access away. Deaf people are least likely to include you in the conversation if you exclude them by speaking.
Don't try to pretend to understand signs. It's okay to ask for clarification. However, you can get into dangerous situations if you pretend to understand. If you nod, smile, and pretend to understand the conversation while someone is talking about a family's funeral in ASL, you will have one very upset Deaf person.
It's ok to make mistakes. You don't have to be perfect. Please keep going! Don't give up. KEEP GOING! Deaf people are more likely to accept you if you keep attending events and continue improving your sign language conversational skills.
Remember, it's Deaf's space. You guys are the guests. Be there to learn!
Don't treat Deaf people like a grade. Instead, seek a relationship with them and develop one. It will take time, and patience is the key.
Don't flock to an event at the last minute near the end of the semester. Deaf people hate that. They can see multiple students at once in the same room at the end of every semester. They know you're there for a grade rather than interacting with Deaf people. It's not a good impression. Instead, plan ahead and don't do things at the last minute.
Have fun and enjoy yourself!

For further tips, please watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yj7lc-9X6I