The Deaf Awareness Club (DAC) at Flagler College advocates for a world that most people are unfamiliar with- not being able to hear.

Although you do not need to be fluent in American Sign Language to join, DAC works hard to teach its members about the deaf culture and community. They then find ways to teach members of the Saint Augustine community through volunteer opportunities and fairs on campus.

Samantha Shiber, current vice president of DAC, has had sign language as a part of her life since she met a girl who was deaf in middle school. As a junior this year, she is studying Deaf Education and Elementary Education. She loves working events to help spread awareness of deaf culture, helping teach others the language.

“It keeps my semester less stressful looking forward to events like that,” Shiber said.

• 

Secretary Elysse DaVega also loves working at the events DAC puts on. Her favorite is Deaf Awareness Day, which happens every spring semester, because of how excited students are to learn ASL.

“Everybody likes to learn [ASL] here. It’s real exciting,” DaVega said.

However, learning how to sign is only half of the DAC experience. The other half is being aware of the deaf culture. That is why DAC also puts on events like trick-or-treating with elementary students from the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind (FSDB). At this event, members of the club help the students trick-or-treat through Ponce Hall, where residents hand out candy. These experiences help immerse members into the deaf culture and teach them new signs along the way.

Between tabling events, Deaf Awareness Day, and many events in between, DAC works hard to teach people around campus about ASL and deaf culture so students are more prepared when encountering those that are deaf or hard of hearing.

“I think we’re just underrated,” DaVega said. “People think just because it’s Deaf Awareness Club it is silent, but we are actually a lot of fun.”

Whether you’re looking to put your ASL skills to practical use, or want to learn more about the culture, Deaf Awareness Club has plenty of opportunities through the year to do all of this and more.

If interested in joining, their meetings are the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month at 7:30 in Student Center room 213. You can also follow them on Instagram @deafawarenessclub.