Shae Asby’s skillset bridges the gaps of understanding between people throughout Central Florida, and it’s a love of language and culture that fuels her work.

An ASL Interpreter and Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida team member, Asby said the decision to pursue a career in sign-language came easy to her.

“Since high school, I have gravitated towards culture and language; both aspects are beautiful and interesting. I wanted to become a part of it,” she said.

Asby graduated from Valencia State College with an AA in ASL/English Interpreting and from the University of North Florida with a B.A. in ASL/English Interpreting.

Today, Asby works in the community on behalf of Easterseals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. Clients are from all walks of life.

Asby and her ASL teammates are available to support members of the Deaf community who need to connect to a hearing person or group, or by hearing individuals who aim to communicate with those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Easterseals and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services provide qualified interpreters such as Asby and her ASL teammates for such needs as medical appointments and related circumstances; personal situations and communication; and classes, seminars and vocational training.

There’s no typical day in the life of an Interpreter, said Asby. Her team reviews community needs and assignments and allocates Interpreters accordingly. No two days are the same, and Asby loves that about the work.

“I love every aspect of my job,” she said. “The people, the company, the language, the challenges, the cultures and never really knowing what one will walk into. Every assignment is vastly different.”

Even if every assignment on a given day is medical, they still greatly vary and are different and special, said Asby.
She and her fellow Interpreters are called upon to enlist tools that facilitate communication between all parties, no matter the circumstances. “Every customer requires special consideration,” said Asby, adding the need to adapt to each person’s individual needs is the most challenging and best part of the work.

“A primary goal for any and all assignments, no matter the consumer, is accessible communication,” said Asby. “All parties involved need to understand one another in a smooth, fluid fashion. That’s what I am there for. “

To learn more about ASL Interpreter services available through Easterseals or Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, or details about upcoming sign-language classes, email Shae Asby at shaelo92@aol.com or Program Manager Michelle Bucalos at mbucalos@esnecfl.org. 

Ready to challenge yourself with a new language? Sure, German comes in handy around Oktoberfest, but American Sign Language is the one that can change lives – including yours – right off hand. (Pun intended!)
 
Thousands of Volusia and Flagler Counties residents are deaf or hearing-impaired and, chances are, that includes someone you know or will interact with in your community.
 
Here are five reasons to learn sign language through Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida this summer (classes begin Oct. 22!):
 
1.      It’s not uncommon. American Sign Language is more widely used in the U.S. than Chinese, French, Vietnamese or Korean. Thus, it’s likely you’d be practicing with people you meet day in and out.
2.      It’s a helpful tool for communicating with the public. ASL-trained residents who work in service to the public may be able to better serve hearing-impaired individuals.
3.      It improves personal communication, too. ASL-trained family members, friends and colleagues of hearing-impaired persons can put immediately actionable signing to use toward more effective communication.
4.      Classes are inexpensive! $50 covers a nine-week session.
5.      Classes are convenient! Meet beginning Monday, October 22, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the DeLand Family YMCA (761 E. International Speedway Blvd.), or meet beginning Tuesday, October 23, from 4:30 – 6 p.m. at Easterseals in Daytona Beach (1219 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach). All classes are taught by an ASL-certified instructor.
 
Register now; space is limited! Register online here or  call Shae, ASL instructor, at shaelo92@aol.com.

Ready to challenge yourself with a new language? Sure, German comes in handy around Oktoberfest, but American Sign Language is the one that can change lives – including yours – right off hand. (Pun intended!)

Thousands of Volusia and Flagler Counties residents are deaf or hearing-impaired in Volusia and Flagler Counties and, chances are, that includes someone you know or will interact with in your community. 

Here are five reasons to learn sign language through Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida this summer (classes begin July 23!): 

1. It’s not uncommon. American Sign Language is more widely used in the U.S. than Chinese, French, Vietnamese or Korean. Thus, it’s likely you’d be practicing with people you meet day in and out. 
2. It’s a helpful tool for communicating with the public. ASL-trained residents who work in service to the public may be able to better serve hearing-impaired individuals.
3. It improves personal communication, too. ASL-trained family members, friends and colleagues of hearing-impaired persons can put immediately actionable signing to use toward more effective communication.
4. Classes are inexpensive! $50 covers a nine-week session.
5. Classes are convenient! Meet beginning Monday, July 23, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the DeLand Family YMCA (761 E. International Speedway Blvd.), or meet beginning Thursday, July 26, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at Easterseals in Daytona Beach (1219 Dunn Ave., Daytona Beach). All classes are taught by an ASL-certified instructor.

Register now; space is limited! Register online here or  call Shae, ASL instructor, at shaelo92@aol.com.