ASL + Weddings

Let me start by saying I'm in my final year of my Doctorate in Audiology (Au.D.) "What's an Audiologist?" you ask!- good question.

Personal Photo: Me@ the Audiometer

The American Academy of Audiology defines the profession well here.  Anyway, it is often assumed (incorrectly) that all Audiologists know Sign. The reality is that Pediatric Audiologists are more apt to know Sign, just because of large variety of patients they see. I am semi-fluent in American Sign Language. Because of this my culturally "Deaf" patients are very excited that I try to sign with them.

The point of that whole spiel is that I really want to incorporate ASL into our wedding. Since there are only about 5 guests who know any sign (thanks to the very popular Baby Signs movement) I didn't want confusion to detract from the idea of using ASL in a hearing wedding. So through my ETSY obsession I found some ASL-spiration!

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Either the ceramic hand or the block print on wood would look very pretty on a guest book table or near a wedding cake. Or I could always put this pretty charm with my new Last Initial in my Bouquet...

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Through this search for ASL-spiration, I found it shocking how little inspiration there is on the web for ASL weddings! However, I did find a good article on Offbeat Bride about Etiquette for Guests who are Deaf. Do you have any family or guests who are Deaf? Are you incorporating ASL or another language into your wedding or reception? How would you do it?