20 Time Proposal: Learning Sign Language

Learning the basic levels of sign language to be able to communicate with a wide range of people. 

Needs and Opportunities 
When my godmother was in the hospital shortly before her passing, she taught herself a modified sign language because it was too hard for her to speak. There are roughly 1,000,000 people in the United States who are deaf and rely on sign language to communicate. Majority of the population cannot truly communicate with these people, and I want to become one of those people who can hold a basic level conversation.

Audience/Clients/Users
I hope to reach the deaf community to show that people do care. I want to be able to add just one more person to the world who can communicate with them so they know that their needs matter.

Time Line
By March 15 I will have done more research about how many people use sign language and what benefit it has on the human brain.

By April 15 I will have finished my online sign language course and should be able to hold a basic conversation.

By May 15 I will have a compilation of me learning sign language put together and will finish reviewing my new skills.

Product/End Result 
In the end I will demonstrate a basic level conversation and will present a video of me learning each night/day. I will also attempt to consult with a deaf person.

Resources
I have my online class through International Open Academy and I wish to meet with one of my Mom's deaf clients. I just need to be consistent with my practice and always stay caught up.

Conclusion 
I am looking forward to learning something new and opening up my mind to a new way of life. I am hoping to understand the basics of sign language and be able to have a very minimal conversation with one who is deaf.