American Sign Language (ASL) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary sign language of the Deaf community in the United States, including right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was developed by Deaf people as a natural way to communicate with each other, long before formal programs and schools existed.

ASL is a complete, visual language with its own grammar and vocabulary. It is not just English on the hands. Just as Spanish or French differ from English, ASL is distinct from spoken and written English in how sentences are structured and how ideas are expressed.

In Grand Rapids, ASL is used every day in homes, schools, colleges, workplaces, healthcare settings like Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids, and community spaces across Kent County.

There Is No Single “Universal” Sign Language

Many people assume there is one sign language used worldwide, but that is not the case. ASL is one of many sign languages used around the globe.

Like spoken languages, sign languages developed naturally in different countries and communities. ASL has historical roots in French Sign Language (LSF) and local American signing systems. Over time, it developed its own unique features and continues to evolve as Deaf culture and technology change.

Deaf communities in different countries use their own sign languages, such as:

  • British Sign Language (BSL)
  • French Sign Language (LSF)
  • Chinese Sign Language
  • Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
  • And many others

International Sign (IS) is sometimes used at global events (such as international conferences or the Deaflympics) to help Deaf people from different countries communicate, but it is not a full replacement for each community’s own sign language.

How American Sign Language Conveys Meaning

ASL uses visual and physical elements instead of sound to express meaning. It relies on:

  • Handshapes
  • Location (where the sign is made in relation to the body)
  • Palm orientation (which way the palm is facing)
  • Movement of the hands, arms, and sometimes the body
  • Facial expressions and head movements
  • Body posture

These elements combine to create signs and sentence structures that are just as rich and nuanced as spoken language.

Key Elements of ASL

  • Handshapes
    ASL uses a set of standard handshapes to form different signs. The same handshape can mean different things depending on how it moves, where it is placed, and the facial expression that accompanies it.

  • Location
    Signs can be produced:

    • Near the face or head
    • On or near the chest or torso
    • Out in the signing space in front of the body

    Changing the location can change the meaning of a sign or show who is doing what to whom.

  • Palm orientation
    The direction your palm faces (up, down, toward you, away from you, to the side) can be part of what defines a sign.

  • Movement
    Movement can be:

    • Small or large
    • Straight, circular, or repeated
    • Fast or slow

    Movement is as important in ASL as intonation is in spoken English. It helps express questions, emphasis, and emotion.

  • Facial expression and body language
    Facial expressions and head movements are essential:

    • Raised eyebrows can signal a yes/no question
    • Furrowed brows can signal a “who/what/where/when/why/how” question
    • Eye gaze can show who or what you are talking about
    • Head nods or shakes can show agreement, disagreement, or emphasis

    These are not just “extras”—they are a core part of the grammar of ASL.

  • Fingerspelling
    ASL uses a one-handed fingerspelling alphabet to spell:

    • Names
    • Places
    • Technical terms or jargon
    • Words that do not yet have an established sign

    In Grand Rapids healthcare settings (for example, at Spectrum Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health), fingerspelling is often used for medical terms, medication names, or specialists’ names when no standard sign exists.

Using All Elements of ASL Correctly

To communicate clearly in ASL, it is important to use all of these elements together:

  • Correct handshape
  • Accurate location
  • Proper movement
  • Appropriate palm orientation
  • Matching facial expression and body posture

If any of these are incorrect, the meaning can change or become unclear—similar to mispronouncing a word or using the wrong word in spoken English.

For Grand Rapids residents who are learning ASL—whether for personal, educational, or professional reasons (such as working in local hospitals, schools, or social services)—consistent practice with fluent signers and qualified instructors is essential.

ASL Has Its Own Grammar and Sentence Structure

ASL grammar is visual, not auditory. It often organizes information differently than English.

For example, an English sentence might be:

“I saw a beautiful black cat this morning.”

An ASL sentence might be ordered more like:

“MORNING, CAT BLACK BEAUTIFUL, I SAW.”

Key differences include:

  • Topic–comment structure: ASL often sets the topic first (“MORNING,” “CAT BLACK���) and then comments on it (“I SAW,” “BEAUTIFUL”).
  • Non-manual signals: Facial expressions and head movements show whether a sentence is a statement, question, or command.
  • Time at the beginning: Time markers (like “YESTERDAY,” “TOMORROW,” “MORNING”) are often placed at the start of the sentence.

This is why ASL cannot be understood simply as “English on the hands.” It is an independent, fully developed language.

Learning ASL in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Many people in Grand Rapids choose to learn ASL to communicate with Deaf family members, friends, coworkers, patients, or students. Others learn it for careers in:

  • Healthcare (hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers)
  • Education (K–12 schools, colleges, early childhood programs)
  • Social work and counseling
  • Interpreting and community services

Where You Might Find ASL Classes and Programs

Options in the Grand Rapids area may include:

  • Local colleges and universities
    Some offer ASL courses as part of foreign language requirements or Deaf Studies programs.

  • Community education programs
    Adult and continuing education programs sometimes provide introductory ASL classes.

  • Deaf and hard of hearing service agencies
    Regional organizations may offer classes, workshops, and Deaf culture events.

  • Online ASL courses and dictionaries
    Interactive sign language dictionaries and video-based lessons can support self-study, especially helpful during winter months when travel in West Michigan can be difficult due to snow and ice.

Before enrolling, it is best to confirm:

  • The instructor’s qualifications
  • Whether the class focuses on ASL (not Signed English)
  • Opportunities for practice with Deaf community members

Other Forms of Communication for People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

ASL is a full, natural language. Other systems exist that are not languages on their own but are tools to support communication, especially for people with specific needs.

Signed English

Signed English is a system that follows English word order and grammar more closely than ASL. It uses signs to represent English words and endings (like “-ing” or “-ed”). It is often used:

  • In educational settings focused on English literacy
  • With children who are learning both ASL and written/spoken English

However, Signed English does not replace ASL as the primary language of the Deaf community.

Key Word Sign and Other Systems

Other communication systems use a simplified set of signs alongside speech, often for people with:

  • Developmental delays
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Speech and language impairments
  • Cognitive disabilities

These systems are typically used in:

  • Special education classrooms
  • Speech therapy
  • Rehabilitation programs
  • Residential care settings

In Grand Rapids, these supports may be part of services provided by:

  • School districts and special education programs
  • Speech-language pathologists
  • Rehabilitation centers
  • Community mental health and disability services

ASL, Health, and Everyday Life in Grand Rapids

Living in West Michigan brings specific communication needs:

  • Healthcare access
    Deaf and hard of hearing patients in Grand Rapids have the right to effective communication in medical settings. Hospitals and clinics (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health) commonly arrange qualified ASL interpreters or use video remote interpreting (VRI) for:

    • Emergency care
    • Hospital stays
    • Mental health services
    • Primary care and specialist visits

  • Seasonal health and safety
    During Michigan’s cold, snowy winters and icy conditions, clear communication in ASL is vital for:

    • Understanding weather alerts
    • Receiving emergency information
    • Accessing telehealth services when travel is unsafe

  • Education and youth services
    Deaf and hard of hearing children in the Grand Rapids area may receive:

    • ASL support services through local school districts
    • Interpreting services in mainstream classrooms
    • Access to specialized programs, depending on their needs

Local Resources in Grand Rapids and Kent County

If you or someone you know in the Grand Rapids area is Deaf, hard of hearing, or interested in learning ASL, consider contacting:

  • Kent County Health Department
    For information about accessible public health services, vaccinations, and health education.
    Website: typically available via the Kent County government site.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health and Community Services
    For local programs that may include disability and communication access resources.

  • Michigan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (statewide)
    Although not limited to Grand Rapids, statewide resources can help connect you to:

    • ASL classes
    • Interpreting services
    • Advocacy and support

  • Local hospitals and clinics
    Ask patient services or the accessibility office about:

    • ASL interpreter services
    • Communication access policies
    • How to request an interpreter for appointments

When to Seek Help or More Information

Consider reaching out for support if:

  • You are Deaf or hard of hearing and need help accessing healthcare, education, or social services in Grand Rapids.
  • You are a family member of a Deaf child or adult and want to learn ASL.
  • You work in healthcare, education, or social services and want to improve communication with Deaf and hard of hearing community members.
  • You are interested in becoming a professional ASL interpreter.

Local and statewide organizations, along with healthcare systems in Grand Rapids, can guide you toward ASL classes, interpreter services, and Deaf community events.

By increasing awareness of American Sign Language and Deaf culture in Grand Rapids, we can help make West Michigan a more accessible and inclusive place for everyone.