On the 15th of February, Wells’ American Sign Language (ASL) Club paid a visit to two noteworthy locations for the deaf community in Bangkok. The first being the Setsatian School for the Deaf, and the latter being the YimSoo Cafe, a cafe that promotes the use of sign language in order to accommodate their employees with hearing disabilities. This trip was particularly useful for the members of the ASL club since we were able to apply our knowledge of sign language in the real world, whilst learning the fundamentals of Thai sign language from patient and enthusiastic experts, namely the students and staff at Setsatian who welcomed us with warmth and excitement.ÌýÌý

Comments from our leaders:ÌýÌý

“This trip to Setsatian School for the Deaf was a life changing experience for me. Through this trip not only did I learn Thai sign language but got to experience how deaf people communicate and get through daily life. The kids at the school were very friendly and I felt really welcomed in the school. I would definitely go on this trip again next year!�

– Franny, Club Leader (Class of 2024)

“As deaf students cannot speak to express their feelings, they were all rich in facial expressions. I realized that deaf people appear more friendly and welcoming from these dramatic facial expressions, and I felt very comfortable interacting with them. I cannot wait to see them again.Ìý

– Risa, Club Leader (Class of 2024)

Initially, we were all quite nervous of how our presence would be received upon entering Setsatian, and how smoothly the activities we had planned would go, but by the time we introduced ourselves and the workshops began, we were slowly able to ease into the task at hand, especially due to the organization of our club leaders.

We began by teaching the students how to make origami cranes and hearts, then moved onto matching games and Uno shortly after. Although there were minor setbacks in the beginning, we were able to adjust to our atmosphere as best we could. Much of our reassurance can be attributed to the Setsatian students, who were nothing but patient with us throughout this process, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy the activities we had planned, allowing us to form connections beyond the need for words.Ìý

By the time we had to depart, one could easily classify our visit as a success as new friendships had been formed, and the continuation of our partnership with the school, renewed and ready for the new members of ASL to continue the legacy.Ìý

Our final stop before heading back to Wells was the YimSoo cafe, where we were able to learn the basics of ordering food and drink in sign language, and were presented with the opportunity to try the beverages the cafe had to offer.Ìý

All in all, the trip left all of us in high spirits as we made our way back, and overall quite satisfied with the turnout, since we were presented with a hands-on learning experience, and a memorable trip we spent, united as a club.Ìý

Comments from club members about the trip:

“I enjoyed watching my students step out of their comfort zone and quickly adjust to make the most out of their time with the kids. They made connections and impressed the staff as well. I could not be more proud!â€�Ìý

– Ms. Jessica, ASL Club Advisor

“I was very nervous about any difficulty in communication among deaf students at the beginning. However, through different activities, we instantly got close and became friends! We shared each other’s Instagram accounts and I am still in contact with my friends at the Setsatian school. I even did a video call and they taught me many TSL words! I am already looking forward to seeing them on the next trip.â€�Ìý

– Seoyeon (Class of 2025)

“I was really amused with this trip to the deaf school as I thought it would be really challenging to communicate with the little children, but to our surprise they were much older and very fun to communicate with. I enjoyed playing UNO with them and they did not fail to entertain all of us. I would most definitely love to go again.�

– Zara (Class of 2024)

“The trip to the deaf school was very enriching as it was fun to be able to interact with them and see their facial expressions. Although it was nerve-wracking at first, we eventually felt very welcomed by them. It was also amusing to play UNO with them in unconventional ways.â€�Ìý

– Li Han (Class of 2024)

“I enjoyed interacting and playing with the deaf students. It gave me more confidence and comfort at the place and I’m impressed by their skills in making Origami.â€�Ìý

– Kim (Class of 2024)

“I found it very fascinating that there are people who could live without one of the five senses and still enjoy life. As I interacted with the students, I noticed that they liked to joke around and play certain games just like normal people would like to. Overall, everyone was very friendly and welcoming, making it a fun and unique experience.â€�Ìý

– Cowboy (Class of 2024)Ìý

“The trip to the Deaf school was a very amusing experience as I have never been to a place like it before. I learned a lot of things as well as had fun trying to communicate with the kids using sign language. I remember making origami and playing UNO to entertain the kids. Overall, it was a very fun experience.â€�Ìý

– Farzam (Class of 2024)

“The trip to Setsatian School was my first ever interaction with a deaf person. Growing up, it never really struck me that there are people who have it harder than us. The experience was a sensational one to be exact. Starting from strangers to friends, it really went fast like an arrow. Even though we have zero experience talking to deaf people, they made us feel welcome and treated us like we were normal people. I believe that there is a lesson behind everything. And the lesson I learnt from this experience is that there are many different types of people everywhere and not all of them may be good. But one thing is for sure. It is to never judge a person before you get to know them.â€�Ìý

– Binay (Class of 2026)

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ASL Field Trip to YimSoo Cafe and Setsatian School for the Deaf

The Wells Sign Language Club took a memorable trip on the 14th of February. The trip started off with the YimSoo cafe, a cafe that hires employees with hearing disabilities, hence the only language they communicate in is sign language. This was great practice and experience for the Sign Club members since we have been preparing for this kind of interaction for months. The Sign Club also had the opportunity to talk to the owner of the cafe, aiding the members in the process of understanding the motivation it took to start a business in Thai culture that’s friendly for the hearing disabled.

Afterwards, the Sign Club visited the Setsatian School for the Deaf, a visit both the students at the school and the club members enjoyed. The members played various gamesÌý and activities, and interacted with the children in sign. It was definitely an experience the members will remember and look forward to a similar experience again in the near future.Ìý

tudent Reflections

“When my club members and I reached the Yimsoo Cafe, I immediately noticed that it was a quiet and peaceful environment. I didn’t know what to do because I thought the workers could only speak Thai Sign Language. I was wrong, as there was a worker who could speak both ASL and TSL. I couldn’t talk to her at first, because I was nervous for some reason. Then I saw how friendly she was talking to Ms. Viessa and another club member.Ìý Soon enough, I had the chance to introduce myself!

Everyone in Setsatian School does exactly the same things hearing people do, except they do more. We all know there are some successful deaf people in our midst, so we can’t just assume all deaf people are disabled and hopeless. I don’t know how to explain more of this experience, I didn’t want it to end. I wouldn’t know what it’s like to be deaf, but I could only imagine. I’m looking forward to being fluent in this ASL. I want to continue and hopefully be part of the deaf community.â€�Ìý

–Justin, Class of 2021 (Leader)Ìý

“In ASL class, at Setsatian School, the seniors were learning to fingerspell short words, and we also had a chance to introduce ourselves to the class. I was so impressed by the teacher’s facial expressions along with Ms. Viessa’s narration. Before we went back to Wells, I walked past a group of hearing seniors from that class, and he said the word ‘thank you’ to me. Right at that moment, I promised myself that I would never forget this day and would come to the Saturday class one day.�

–Pach, Class of 2020

“The reason why we went to Yimsoo Cafe was that some workers at Yimsoo Cafe are deaf and we found out that Yimsoo Cafe hires deaf workers, too. When we first entered the cafe, the place was quiet and well decorated. After we ordered drinks, some of our club members tried to have a conversation by using sign language with workers. Later, we met the owner of Yimsoo Cafe and I recognized him because the logo of YImsoo Cafe was a drawing of him. He was blind but I could see him facing his face to us, which looked like he could see.�

–Sandy, Class of 2020

“During the time in Setsatian school, we enjoyed the time we played with the kids who studied in kindergarten. Their attitude was very active and curious about everything, which is the same with a normal kid. It wasn’t the same as what people think. They thought those muted students would be negative and hopeless. However, they were very active and energetic when we arrived at the school, and although they can’t speak properly like us, they have enough confidence to face different kinds of problems.â€�Ìý

–Gordon, Class of 2021

“Before joining Sign Club, I essentially had no idea whatsoever about Sign Language. The only things I knew were that people who were deaf use it and you use your hands in order to communicate quickly. To my surprise, there wasn’t actually a single, universal Sign Language but instead, like our everyday speaking languages, many different variants such as ASL (American Sign Language) and TSL (Thai Sign Language). One of the workers there knew both ASL and TSL and it was incredibly astonishing to see them communicate with one of our leaders. After about an hour, when we were about to leave the cafe, I asked the owner for more information about this business (If this was a family business, if his family supported his decision in the beginning, how their supply of pure coffee beans were different from the rest, etc.).

–Dan, Class of 2021

“We met children and teachers at a library in the school. I think around 20 children came to the library with teachers. Teachers were talking with children using sign language. Each of the club membersÌý introduced their sign names. The children tried to remember all the sign names and they would repeat the sign three or four times. It was so cute. This was my first time communicating with deaf children, but they welcomed us and communicated with us kindly. And I found my stereotype of deaf people was not correct. It changed.â€�Ìý

–Yuna, Class of 2021

“The Yim-soo cafe hires employees who are hearing impaired and the best part about this cafe was when we got to communicate with some of the employees through ASL. Some of our club members were ecstatic when one of the employees knew ASL. When the day was finally over, I understood that language isn’t just about the words and letters. Language is universal and means of communication can be born from numerous kinds of expression. It’s just so creative and incredible to see how humans can interact with each other in various ways.â€�Ìý

–Wadi, Class of 2021

Special Thanks

Wells ASL Club would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the owner of YimSoo Cafe and Setsatian School for the Deaf for giving us a warm welcome and helping us gain first-hand knowledge and experience in the deaf community. We look forward to continued future collaboration!

Written By: Wadi Shun Let (Class of 2021)

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