Clark State teacher is new president of Ohio sign language association

Clark State Community College ASL instructor, Sarah Henegar, was appointed President of the Ohio Chapter of American Sign Language Teacher’s Association. CONTRIBUTED

Clark State Community College ASL instructor, Sarah Henegar, was appointed President of the Ohio Chapter of American Sign Language Teacher’s Association. CONTRIBUTED

A Clark State Community College American Sign Language (ASL) teacher has been appointed as president of the Ohio Chapter of American Sign Language Teachers Association (OhioASLTA), according to a release from the school.

Sarah Henegar’s term has started and she will serve as president through September 2021.

“The future of the organization is very bright, and I am very excited to see this organization prosper,” she said.

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Henegar said she is honored to have this opportunity, and that her goal is to ensure that ASL instructors maintain teaching standards, continue to provide support for other instructors and cherish the deaf culture and community.

“There are many deaf and hard of hearing individuals at every job out there,” Henegar said. “Communication is key. Providing clear communication and support will take down communication barriers between hearing and a person who may be deaf or hard of hearing.”

Clark State offers four ASL courses, and several high schools offer ASL through the College Credit Plus program.

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“I am so proud of Sarah and the role she will be assuming as the newly elected president of the OhioASLTA,” said Dr. Tiffany Hunter, vice president of academic affairs at Clark State. “Sarah is an invaluable asset to Clark State as a faculty member, and I feel confident in her abilities to lead and to continue contributing to the field of ASL.”

ASLTA, which has over 1,000 teachers, is the only national-level professional organization for ASL and Deaf studies educators, the release says. It is also the only association dedicated to the improvement and expansion of teaching ASL and Deaf studies at all levels.

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