At the intersection of touch and talk, hands do more than gesture—they translate spoken words into the tangible world of sign language. “Everybody Signs,” an organization at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), hosts monthly events to teach the public beginner American Sign Language (ASL) phrases, from greetings to words.
President of Everyone Signs Aaliyah Sanchez, a student at UTEP pursuing a bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation sciences with a concentration in speech-language and hearing, created the organization after taking an ASL course with Professor Vanessa Mueller. With the help and encouragement of her professor, Sanchez kicked off the organization. Everyone Signs has been in its developmental stages, hosting events since the summer of 2024, being finally stabilized and ongoing since the fall of 2024.
The organization intends to demystify the learning process of ASL by getting rid of negative attitudes and instead emphasize the presence of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. While there is no precise information that discloses the presence of the Deaf community in El Paso, it is estimated that around 13.7% identify with a disability including visual impairments, deafness, physical and other intellectual disabilities according to an article published in 2023 by KFOX News.
The interest of Everyone Signs is not to assert themselves as experts of the community, rather their mission is to introduce the basics of sign language by offering an accessible way to encounter and engage with the Deaf community’s culture.
“We keep every meeting very beginner friendly, and we’re all hearing students, so it’s important to know that we need to appreciate the Deaf and hard of hearing community, so we do little bingo games, word searches [and] interactive stuff,” Sanchez said.
UTEP rehabilitation sciences major, Daisy Creel, is a new member of the organization, who said at first, she felt intimidated about joining the organization.
“I thought it would be more intimidating to get into, but the activities are geared towards people of any expertise,” Creel said. “I was like ‘I don’t even think I should go, it might be hard,’ but when you’re there [Sanchez] has the [ASL] alphabet, [and] you learn how to sign your name the first meeting.”
To dispute any reservations one may feel when engaging in learning ASL, the organization creates an environment highlighting the visual and collaborative dynamic.
“Sign language is all expressive cause the sign language itself is all expressive and it is all visual so having pictures is important for interpretation”, Sanchez said.
Activities are presented with photos and visual aids to help students learn numbers and expand their ASL vocabulary.
For students at UTEP and beyond, Everybody Signs provides a valuable opportunity to engage with and learn the basics of American Sign Language. Whether for personal interest, professional development or simply as a way to connect with others. The organization offers a welcoming space to explore and appreciate the language and culture of the Deaf community. To get involved, visit Everybody Signs during their meetings at 1101 Campbell St., El Paso, TX, in the Campbell Cafeteria and follow the organization on Instagram @everyone_signs.
Jazmine Gracia is a writing contributor for The Prospector and can be reached [email protected]
