Learning Through Sign: Lessons in Empathy and Connection

First and second grade students at the Swain Campus had a special opportunity to learn about Deaf culture and communication from Professor Kimberly Kuhns, sister of teachers Karla Gaugler and Kelley Stout. Visiting from Kansas, where she teaches sign language and Deaf culture at Johnson County Community College, Professor Kuhns shared her experiences as a Deaf person, helping students build empathy, develop an appreciation for different ways people experience the world, and explore the many forms of communication that connect us.

First graders in Mrs. Karla Gaugler’s and Mrs. Abby Monahan’s classes enjoyed a reading of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff, with Mrs. Gaugler reading aloud while Professor Kuhns signed. Similarly, second graders in Mrs. Kelley Stout’s and Mrs. Karin Reger’s classes explored My Deaf Friend Can Do Anything You Can Do by Tanesha Ausby, with Mrs. Stout reading aloud as Professor Kuhns signed.

Students also explored how Deaf people communicate, learned some basic sign language, and discussed assistive technologies that support communication. Professor Kuhns, alongside her sisters, shared personal stories about growing up together and how they adapted through lip reading and other strategies. This meaningful visit highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding in building connections across differences.

To continue building awareness, students also watched a video featuring Matt Maxey of DEAFinitely Dope, who introduced American Sign Language (ASL) vocabulary in honor of Deaf Awareness Month. The video highlights common signs such as greetings and simple words, while framing ASL as a bridge between Deaf and hearing communities. Its message encourages students—and all of us—to recognize and appreciate non-verbal communication not just during Deaf Awareness Month, but all year long.

🎥 Watch the video here

Through this experience, students were reminded that empathy and communication are at the heart of understanding others, and that celebrating differences strengthens our community.