I'm Coach Ayu and I've created this organization to support the Deaf and Signing community to have equal access to education regarding recreational, advanced, and competitive figure and hockey skating. Anyone can be a student in my program! The Deaf Learn Skate Community always welcomes all skaters around the world to collaborate and share in order to foster equal access to all sports, especially
for all those who need any form of medical accommodation. Supporting medical documentation will not be required to begin any services or accommodation. If you lack supporting medical documentation or need help building a plan for an accommodation you could benefit from, please reach out and we will build the bridges needed on your behalf, whatever the issue is. I am finishing my degree in Psychology at Gallaudet University, and wanted to ensure the inclusion of those I love in what I love to do, and that applies to you too! I've been coaching since 2013 and am now in the process of starting the first all inclusive "Deaf Learn Skate" program at Medstar Capitals Iceplex ensuring that any person who wants to learn to skate can learn to skate, and have a sense of self strengthened in the process. This program is specifically for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or hearing individuals who are interested in taking group classes. Any person who feels unable to participate in Ice Skating for whatever reason, please reach out. If you want to skate and you fall through every crack of impossibility, ask us for our time, it's yours. With enough interest, these classes will be available for all persons of any ages or skill level. Julia Rogers (Figure Skater at Gallaudet) is one of my very best friends who also happens to be Deaf and an advanced figure skater. With her assistance, and the assistance of those who will stop at nothing to create an open and welcoming approach to Ice Sports and all other forms of Athletics, I am hoping to create a fun and welcoming environment for those who are interested in taking classes taught in American Sign Language, but any needed sign language form will be adapted to as fast as possible. Classes will be a loving combination of fully fluent staff, and staff members who are still learning voice off ASL, but teach figure skating or hockey. Many people from many communities will be supporting the Deaf Learn Skate community in order to build bridges between all people. If a staff member isn't fluent "all the way", they will need extra help learning about ASL and everything it has to offer, so please speak up! If you are a Tactile ASL user and would benefit from a Tactile translator please let us know as we will ensure ease of access. We are saving for our Braille printer as we speak! More information will soon be available regarding our very first class. Until then, please like and follow this page and our cause! We greatly appreciate your time and efforts!
- Coach Ayu
