Deaf Joy banner: hand-cut lettering in forest green over a coral sun rising behind green hills.

Bartlett, Tennessee · Memphis & West Tennessee

We learn ASL together.

A place to begin, a language to share, and people to learn with. Bringing ASL learning and Deaf community connection closer to home.

Illustration: a coral sun rising over green hills, cut in the Deaf Joy style.

Language access starts with connection

For the little moments. And a whole lifetime.

Every Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing child deserves access to language from the beginning, and a family supported in learning alongside them.

The Language Access Project is a nonprofit in Bartlett, Tennessee. We’re bringing together ASL education, family resources, and connections with Deaf educators, mentors, and community members.

Most Deaf children are born into hearing families. For many parents, their child’s diagnosis is also their first introduction to hearing loss, American Sign Language, Deaf culture, educational options, and an entirely new community.

But there is something they can begin giving their child immediately: Language. The Language Access Project exists to make that first step easier.

Illustration: a house with an arched door and lit windows, in the Deaf Joy style.

Classes start October 7

Let’s learn closer to home.

Weekly Wednesday classes begin October 7 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Bartlett, and they are free. Educator participation and curriculum are still coming together.

Where

St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Bartlett, Tennessee.

When

Wednesdays, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., starting October 7.

Who

Anyone interested in ASL, with a special commitment to families of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children.

Illustration: a long table with four chairs and cups, an arched window with the evening sun behind it.

Language. Identity. Belonging.

More than signs. People to sign with.

ASL is a complete language, and the Deaf community is central to learning it. Language grows through conversation, shared experiences, and everyday connection.

We’re developing TLAP with meaningful Deaf community involvement and connections to existing local resources. Deaf educators, mentors, and community members are invited to help shape what comes next.

Illustration from above: a round green table with cups and an open book, four chairs around it.

For families finding their way

You don’t need all the answers to begin.

Maybe ASL is entirely new to your family. Maybe you’ve been looking for a place to learn together. Wherever you are starting, your questions are welcome.

Illustration: a doorway with the light on, cut in the Deaf Joy style.

Help make language access part of everyday life

There’s something we can build together.

Have time, ASL experience, a community connection, or resources to share? Help us create more opportunities for families to learn and connect.