What ASL Station is all about.....
We created our designs specific to American Sign Language (ASL) to raise awareness and understanding of Deaf Culture, to promote inclusion and equality, and to encourage bilingualism. We strive to provide engaging, optimistic, uniquely designed products that advocate cultural competence. We started out with an idea and a message to share, dedicated to delivering value with a deeper commitment to making a difference. We're passionate about empowerment through learning, appreciation, and positivity. We hope to inspire and motivate others to reflect behaviors and attitudes that encourage cross-cultural relationships and value diversity. This is the essence of who we are as a brand.
Who We Are......
Ralph Vice was born Deaf in Lousiana. His parents, both hearing, wanted to provide him with the best possible education to ensure a successful future without limitations. He attended, and graduated the Louisiana School for the Deaf (LSD), and is very grateful to his parents. Ralph has had a long, successful, professional career and is looking forward to a nearing retirement. As a Deaf man, Ralph has always been an advocate for the deaf, has been a mentor to many students, has been involved in Deaf Camp for Children, and has held events to raise funds needed for the deaf community. In 1999, Ralph was instrumental in starting the Mississippi Coast Association of the Deaf (MCAD) with a vision of bringing the deaf community together for socializing, providing recreational activities for the young and elderly, and providing assistance for those in need. There have been many successful functions and events in the twenty years since it's inception, but the most recent previous years have drawn a lot of attention and awareness to Deaf Culture as MCAD has encouraged and welcomed everyone to attend their events. The positive support and feedback from these events have been motivation for continuing to spread awareness through the creation of ASL Station.
LeAnne Vice had early exposure to the deaf and the blind, having family members in both communities. She has always been inspired by cultural differences and had a passion for all forms of communication. LeAnne completed the Interpreter Training Program (ITP) for American Sign Language and has a Bachelor's degree in Spanish. She has traveled to several countries, learning languages, behaviors and cultural uniqueness. Her experiences have fostered her motivation to encourage a common appreciation for inclusion, equality and diversity. She has gained numerous sponsors, has interpreted for the church and in the public school system. LeAnne has been involved in the Gulf Coast Deaf Community for many years and is a member of the Mississippi Coast Association of the Deaf (MCAD).
Christy Kelly is the anchor of our technology. She brings all of our ideas to life with her designing, product procurement, site building and maintenance, and functionality across all technical areas of our endeavor. Having a willingness to learn and be enthusiastically involved, she appreciates the opportunity to have something to contribute in helping to bring awareness. Christy is truly inspired by the strong sense of unity among the community, and, although not fluent in ASL, she is committed to learning. We can communicate proper respect regardless of our native language, and the willingness to communicate across cultures has the potential to open our minds to a whole new reality.