Posts by Makenna Cook


How to Get Involved in the Deaf Community in Tucson, AZ

Makenna Cook /

Learning ASL is exciting, but the real magic happens when you step outside the classroom and spend time in the Deaf community. In Tucson, there are many welcoming spaces and events where new ASL learners can connect, practice, and learn about Deaf culture. Here’s how to get started as a. . . + Read More

How Get Involved in the Deaf Community as a New ASL Student

Makenna Cook /

Learning ASL is more than memorizing signs, it’s about experiencing Deaf culture and building real-life connections. As an ASL student, spending time in the Deaf community helps you learn naturally, develop cultural awareness, and practice your skills in authentic settings. Think of it like learning Spanish in Spain or French. . . + Read More

Difference Between ASL, PSE, and SEE

Makenna Cook /

When you start learning American Sign Language (ASL), you might hear people talking about SEE or PSE too. What are those? Aren’t they the same thing as ASL? The answer is no. There are actually three different signing styles you may see in classrooms or in Deaf spaces: Signed Exact. . . + Read More

Marlee Matlin’s Not Alone Anymore Documentary

Makenna Cook /

Academy Award–winning actor and advocate Marlee Matlin is the focus of a new feature documentary, Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the film centers American Sign Language, uses open captions throughout, and removes conventional voiceover so the story is told visually and directly in ASL. It is. . . + Read More

Deaf West Theatre’s “American Idiot”

Makenna Cook /

When Green Day’s American Idiot first hit Broadway in 2010, it wowed audiences with its raw energy and punk-rock storytelling. But no production has reimagined the show quite like Deaf West Theatre’s American Sign Language (ASL) adaptation. By weaving ASL into the music, choreography, and design, Deaf West created a. . . + Read More

Certified Hearing Interpreters

Makenna Cook /

There is a common misconception that American Sign Language Interpreters are just people who have a certain level of fluency in ASL which makes them eligible to interpret for any Deaf person on the street. The truth is, American Sign Language interpreters often have a degree in interpreting, studying the. . . + Read More

Blitz Spotlight: Helen Keller

Makenna Cook /

Helen Keller left a lasting impact on DeafBlind history. Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller’s life story is a story of the strong-willed human spirit. Despite being blind and deaf in the 1880s, she defied all odds and emerged as an influential figure in the fields. . . + Read More

DeafBlind Awareness Month

Makenna Cook /

At Sign Language Blitz, we celebrate the resilience, ingenuity, and unique experiences of the Deafblind community.  In this blog, we’ll explore the multifaceted world of Deafblindness, diving into the power of PTASL and Pro-Tactile, the evolving landscape of Deafblind technology, and the invaluable resources that foster empowerment and inclusion.  Deafblindness:. . . + Read More