A measure that would recognize American sign language as a foreign language in Virginia’s high schools and colleges has cleared the legislature and is heading to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reports.
Right now, colleges decide whether to count ASL classes toward entrance requirements.
The bill’s sponsor, Dickie Bell, R-Staunton, credited students who helped craft the legislation; Hollis Erickson, 18, a former Loudoun Valley High School student, helped write the bill.
The change could also open access to ASL courses for friends and family looking to communicate better with the deaf and hearing-impaired, the Times-Dispatch reports.
“What we would hope is that as it continues to gain popularity, that a lot of the private schools will also get on board because they have to compete,” said Bell.
