American Sign Language Program

The goal for the program is to provide the NYC experience to deaf and hard of hearing youth so that they may have the same enriching experiences as their peers. This project has been successful by fully supporting accessible communication, which requires hiring professional interpreters as crew leaders and providing ASL interpretation at orientation, graduation, program presentations, question and answer sessions, skills trainings, safety trainings, recreation and games, weekend sites and general group interactions. This concept has worked extremely well for delivering this experience to interns during the past 3 years. ASLP crews work with NPS units throughout Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, introducing participants to career opportunities at individual Park units and Park staff to the ability and work ethic of these youth. ASLP crews live on the project site for up to five weeks at a time. While learning valuable lessons of teamwork and responsibility, youth gain a sense of pride that comes with hard work and a job well done. ASLP nurtures and encourages leadership development, diversity and cultural exchange among the youth and leaders in the program. The ASLP will provide an exclusive Corps opportunity for 20 deaf or hard of hearing youth with a five week long program during the summer of 2016, and provide five deaf or hard of hearing young adults with an eight week long AmeriCorps program. The ASLP will also provide opportunities throughout 2016 for up to 10 deaf or hard of hearing youth participants in other programs offered at Northwest Youth Corps.