In an emergency, communication can be the difference between a situation being managed or quickly getting out of hand. For many Deaf individuals, communication is not always easy. American Sign Language, or ASL is often viewed just as another elective, but real-life situations show how vital it can be at times. Whether you are having a casual chat or facing a tense emergency, knowing ASL can bridge communication gaps connect and respond effectively when it really counts.
During a hotel fire in Phoenix, junior Mackenzie Dickenhausen experienced that firsthand. Using the ASL skills she learned in class, she communicated with a Deaf woman who did not understand what was happening, helping her stay informed and safe.
“I honestly think that it’s a really good thing to learn, because you don’t know when it’s going to come into play,” Dickenhausen said.
Her experience demonstrates that ASL is more than an elective class. In high-stress situations, communication barriers can create confusion and increase danger. Dickenhausen’s ability to step in highlights the real-world importance of learning ASL.
After hearing about Dickenhausen’s actions during the fire, junior Fath Brockshus said the story made her feel more confident about using ASL herself. Her reaction shows that witnessing real-world applications of ASL can inspire students to recognize the language’s practical value.
Teachers say that is exactly the reaction ASL education is meant to encourage. Rather than focusing only on memorization, instructors prepare students for real-life interactions where communication matters.
“You try to do authentic vocabulary… things that really happen, so hopefully that it can be related to real life,” ASL instructor Bekey Mazzara said.
By practicing everyday conversations and realistic scenarios, students are better equipped to use ASL outside the classroom. This approach reinforces the idea that ASL is practical and applicable in daily life.
Mazzara also emphasizes the importance of understanding the “culture in order to understand a language.” Without cultural awareness, communication can be incomplete or misunderstood.
Learning about Deaf culture allows students to communicate more respectfully and effectively. It also helps build connections between hearing and Deaf communities.
Dickenhausen feels that moments like hers are overlooked and that every person should have an experience like hers. Because ASL is not a well-known language in emergencies that gap can create serious risks, especially in moments when it is crucial for quick communication.
As more students learn ASL and hear stories like Dickenhausen’s, it is clear that the language is more than an academic subject. It is a practical skill with real-world impact. By combining language instruction with cultural understanding and real-life practice, ASL classes prepare students to communicate effectively, help others in urgent situations and build connections across communities. Learning ASL equips students not just with vocabulary, but with the tools to make a meaningful difference whenever communication matters most.
