University of Reno American Sign Language Unaided Communication Discussion

Please read the discussion and then reply.

It seems that growing up, Matthew faced a lot of struggling issues. Those of which were out of his control. One large factor that “went wrong” regarding communications for Matthew was when the teachers attempted to use sign language as a form of communication.

It is mentioned above that Matthew had delays in his gross and fine motor skills. Learning American Sign Language (ASL) requires the use of fine motor skills. Fine motor skills include advanced use of fingers and hands, being able to move them at a fluid pace if needed. One of the course textbooks written by Beukelman and Light that well developed motor skills are needed to be successful in learning sign language. Unfortunately this was something Matthew lacked and could have attributed to him not showing any comprehension or advancement. Another aspect about this issue regarding communication was his age, was his developmental state. As mentioned by Beukelman and Light, individuals learning ASL need to have a base line of literacy skills in order to spell and interpret words or letters that are being signed. As a kindergarten student, it is common that this is the age where teachers introduce the alphabet enough for students to become understanding of the letters. The teachers should have simultaneously taught Matthew the alphabet to parter with that the letter looked like in ASL.

In the attempt to teach to teach Matthew ASL, it caused a lack of success. The teachers, medical professionals and other educational professionals involved should have declared him an unfit candidate for ASL before trying to teach him to use it as a form of communication. Realistically Matthew was not a right candidate to teach ASL to instead other AAC options should have been explored and discussed.