• July 1, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• PCC,120ABC

Fluent on the Field: Integrating American Sign Language into Athletic Training Practice

This interactive lecture and learning lab introduces athletic trainers to foundational American Sign Language (ASL) skills to improve communication and care for athletes who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Participants will explore Deaf culture, learn essential ASL vocabulary relevant to athletic training settings, and engage in hands-on practice through clinical scenarios. The session focuses on inclusive communication strategies that promote equality in athletic health care while improving patient outcomes. By integrating ASL into clinical practice, athletic trainers can foster more accessible and inclusive environments in sports medicine.

Learning Objectives - Identify key concepts of Deaf culture and how cultural competency affects communication and care in athletic training practice settings.
- Summarize the barriers that athletes who are deaf and hard-of-hearing face in accessing appropriate athletic training services.
- Explain the importance of integrating ASL and inclusive communication strategies into clinical practice to improve patient trust, safety, and outcomes.

Lab Objectives
- Express an overview of ASL basics including fingerspelling and number signs.

Keywords: Inclusive communication; Accessibility; Patient-centered care