Get involved
There’s something we can build together.
Whether you’re a parent, Deaf community member, ASL professional, educator, student, business, church, community organization, or someone who simply believes in what we’re building, there is a place for you here.
Eight ways to help
You can.
Pick the one that fits your life. Each one helps a family that is waiting for language.
Attend a class
Coming to class is the simplest way to help. Every person who learns to sign makes the community a little more accessible, and classes are open to everyone. See the ASL classes
Volunteer
Help set up and clean up, welcome families, assist a class, or bring a skill we have not thought of yet. Deaf volunteers and fluent signers are especially welcome. Fill out the volunteer form
Provide a community space
A church hall, classroom, library room, or meeting space that families can reach easily is one of the biggest gifts you can give. Space offered by a church does not make the program religious; classes stay open to everyone. Tell us about your space
Connect a family
Know a family with a Deaf or hard-of-hearing child? Share our For families page with them, or send us a note and we will reach out. Please let a family decide for themselves whether to share their details with us. Resources for families
Follow and share
Share this site with your school, church, clinic, or group. A single forwarded link often reaches a family who has been waiting for exactly this. [Social media links, once program leadership confirms the accounts.] Share the home page
Partner with us
Schools, clinics, churches, libraries, businesses, universities, and Deaf community organizations: if language access for children fits your mission, let’s talk about what a partnership could look like. Partnerships are put in writing before anything is announced. Start a conversation
Sponsor programming or materials
Sponsorship can underwrite paid Deaf educator and mentor time, learning materials, or the supports that help families attend. We keep cash and in-kind support separate and put every sponsorship in writing. Ask about sponsoring
Share resources
Know a program, event, or resource that families of Deaf and hard-of-hearing children in West Tennessee should hear about? Send it our way. We review resources before we list them. See the family resources
Deaf educators and mentors
Help shape what comes next.
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.
ASL is a complete language, and the Deaf community is central to learning it. Classes are designed and taught with paid Deaf educators and mentors; formal Deaf leadership is being built into instruction and governance.
Volunteer
Tell us how you’d like to help.
A real person reads every note. Phone is optional.
The shop
Wear the artwork.
Shirts, hoodies and totes with the Deaf Joy and TLAP artwork are in the shop.