Anya was the only deaf and hearing-impaired student in her school. She was tired; tired of getting teased by her classmates, tired of trying to be understood and liked.

“I don’t want to go to school anymore!” She would come home and tell her Mom every day. 

Her teacher, Mrs. Thatcher, tried her best to support Anya and advocate for her, but she felt as though it wasn’t enough. Anya needed representation and inclusion. 

One day, Mrs. Thatcher went to talk to Principal Stevens.

“Students are having a hard time accepting Anya for who she is. I think if we talked more about her exceptionality and made it a learning experience, they would see that she's just like them."

“What do you suppose we do about this? We don’t have time or funds to include a curriculum about deafness.” 

“I would like to start an ASL club. I have a deaf grandmother, so I’m fluent. We can meet once a week in my room after school. I will provide all of the resources. We can discuss exceptionalities like Anya’s and learn American Sign Language.” 

Principal Stevens sat and thought about Mrs. Thatcher’s idea for a few moments. “Okay, go for it. You have my permission.” 

“Oh thank you! I promise you won’t regret this!"