PNW’s American Sign Language club hosted a game day at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for both hearing and non-hearing members of the community on Dec. 4. Over 100 people attended the event, including many children from local schools.

Game day was arranged by ASL club member Sarah Maddox, senior communications major, who celebrated her last day as an intern with Indiana Dunes Tourism by giving back to the community.

“I love ASL because it’s easy, unique, and anyone can learn it. It is its own language and there’s no direct translation to English,” Maddox said.

Maddox was inspired to plan the game day after learning the Visitor Center had not yet hosted an event designed for the non-hearing community. She has taken four semesters of ASL at PNW and has developed a passion for using ASL and interacting with non-hearing people. Although she has finished her five-month internship with Indiana Dunes Tourism, she would be grateful to host another ASL event at the Visitor Center if given the opportunity.

Jason Maloney, lecturer of ASL, presented nature signs like trees, snow, and animals such as owls, birds, fish, and even the sign for Santa Claus. Guest were then encouraged to use the signs they learned as Maloney and Maddox presented “Once Upon a Christmas at the Indiana Dunes.”

Afterwards, guests had the opportunity to learn about the Indiana Dunes, view the Art Walk murals, and participate in games with ASL club members and PNW faculty. Children enjoyed coloring, finding hidden Mickey Mouse symbols on the Art Walk, and using ASL to play games and earn special prizes.

Karen Donah, adviser for the ASL club, said the event was a success.

“It was great to see so many different people involved together in learning and using ASL,” Donah said.