About Us!
📜 Our Story: How ASL Deaf Chat Inc. Began
ASL Deaf Chat Inc. was born out of passion, community, and a desire to create lasting connections for the Deaf and signing community in Central Florida and beyond. After leaving the University of Central Florida (UCF), our founder saw a clear need: there weren’t many Deaf-led or Deaf-focused organizations in the area. As a Deaf individual and community advocate, they believed in the power of connection and wanted to create a welcoming space where Deaf individuals, ASL students, and allies could come together. While transitioning to Gallaudet University’s online program, the support didn’t stop—many UCF ASL students reached out, asking for more ASL events. Inspired by their encouragement and recognizing a continued need for community spaces, our founder organized an ASL event—and the turnout and energy were incredible. That moment sparked something bigger. From that seed grew ASL Deaf Chat Inc.—a nonprofit organization committed to hosting inclusive events, providing educational resources, and building bridges between the Deaf and hearing communities. What started as a simple gathering has become a movement rooted in accessibility, cultural pride, and unity.
We are grateful to Bridge Language Services for supporting our meeting with Representative Anna Eskamani by providing a qualified interpreter. Their contribution helped ensure clear and inclusive communication during this important conversation about Deaf accessibility in Central Florida.
We host events, social gatherings, and educational resources for all ages and signing skill levels. From family-friendly meetups to ASL practice nights, everything we do is designed to foster understanding, respect, and inclusion within both the Deaf and hearing communities. 💙 Your support helps keep these opportunities accessible to everyone.
About ASL Deaf Chat!
Our Mission
A Friendly Deaf Community in Central Florida. We are a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to bringing Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing individuals together in a supportive and fun environment.
national asl day at university of central florida
"What do ASL and participating in ADC mean to you?"
- Lexiani Diaz (HerCampusUCF)
"Most Members of ASL Deaf Chat enjoyed our events in Central Florida, where they had the opportunity to meet new American Sign Language (ASL) friends and learn ASL to enhance their engagement with the Deaf Community. We have been collaborating with the ASL Knights Club since Spring 2024 and have recognized the importance of spreading ASL awareness in Central Florida. On April 1st, American Sign Language was officially recognized in Central Florida by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. While some members felt nervous about attending our events, we always strive to ensure they feel welcomed and gain knowledge about Deaf culture and the Deaf Community. Members of ASL Deaf Chat kept coming to our events and would always try their best not to miss any events. It is hard to find more ASL events in Central Florida, so I thought I would come up with one since I'm fully deaf and love interacting with hearing people who would love to learn my native language." - Mel
WHAT DID YOU THINK OF UCF’S ASL DAY CELEBRATION?
“As the Founder of ASL Deaf Chat, I attended the UCF ASL Day Event! We noticed most people came to our table, [and] they were amazed at how we always set up weekly events in central Florida to allow the Deaf and hearing community to get to know each other and try their best to improve their American Sign Language and their receptive skills.”
ADC Members!
Jonathan Harris
Geoffrey Brooks
Jonathan Harris
"I've been going to ASL Deaf Chat events for about six months now. The very first time I went to an ADC event, I felt welcomed as a newcomer and as someone who didn't have a lot of experience in the deaf world. I think it's extremely important that we celebrate ASL because it's more than just a language. It's something that connects everyone who uses it, and it's also important to make everyone more aware of ASL and ASL users."
Alex Schiffer
Geoffrey Brooks
Jonathan Harris
"There truly aren't enough words to express how valuable this organization is. I've studied ASL on and off for years, but I never fully immersed myself in the Deaf community, mostly because I didn't know how. Then, my professor told me about ASL Deaf Chat, and I pushed myself to go. At first, I was terrified. I didn't know how my skills would hold up around fluent ASL users, and it's uncomfortable to rely entirely on a language you're not yet fluent in. But I quickly discovered that everyone is excited to communicate, no matter your level. There's a wide range of signing abilities; some are students, others are not, and the group is incredibly diverse, spanning different degrees of hearing loss, ages, and backgrounds. Each week's event takes place in a new spot, which has helped me explore parts of Orlando l'd never been to."
Geoffrey Brooks
Geoffrey Brooks
Geoffrey Brooks
"Ever since I joined ADC, everyone has been so welcoming and patient, and I'm forever grateful. I think ADC is a great space for people learning ASL, aspiring interpreters and teachers, and even fluent and native signers. I mean, who wouldn't want the chance to have fun in such a beautiful visual language? Not only does it create a sense of community, but it also highlights how unique each of us are when we come together."
Riley Fromberg
Riley Fromberg
Geoffrey Brooks
"ADC is the most welcoming group of individuals! From the very first event, I was shown friendship, love, and laughter. It's the best way to connect with users of ASL outside of the classroom and still continue to learn.
Come hang out with us!"
Hannah Faith
Riley Fromberg
Harry Georgie
"I started attending ADC at the end of last year with the goal of practicing ASL and learning more about Deaf culture, and I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. From day one, I was welcomed with so much kindness, even though I am not the most proficient in the language. The environment is incredibly supportive, and everyone is so patient and encouraging no matter where you are on your learning journey.
Through ADC, I’ve met some truly amazing people and made genuine friendships that I’m so grateful for. Every event is not only a chance to improve my ASL skills, but also an opportunity to connect, laugh, and learn alongside others who are passionate and open-hearted.
If you’re thinking about coming but feel nervous—especially if you don’t know much ASL yet—please don’t let that stop you. This group is one of the most welcoming communities I’ve ever been part of, and there’s a place for everyone here. You’ll always be met with kindness and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture and some new friends!"
Harry Georgie
Riley Fromberg
Harry Georgie
"To find a deaf/ASL signers social setting that I can feel in harmony with other people was my struggle and to my surprise, ADC has fulfilled my expectations hanging out with deaf attendees and hearing individuals learning ASL. I find that amazing considering how I previously lived a isolated life for awhile and having had a difficulty to find my way back in..
The events' atmosphere comes very welcoming, positivity, fun, and stress-free environment. Sometimes, there's also games to play and always, there's delicious food to try. You will get laughs, you will get good photos for memories. You will improve your social skills and signing for who is learning. My time always resulted in overall satisfactory. There's no trouble among us nor negative disruptors which is actually my favorite part of all. So yeah, I recommend ADC event to anyone who seeks the same preference."
Zach Clemens
Audrey Maloney
Audrey Maloney
"ADC has been a great way to engage with my local Deaf community!"
Audrey Maloney
Audrey Maloney
Audrey Maloney
"I’ve only been going to ASL Deaf Chat for a few months, but it’s already been a life-changing experience. As a hearing person with a deaf sister, it is sad we never really connected with the Deaf community until now. I really wish we had joined it sooner!
The welcome we’ve received has been so warm and encouraging, even as beginner (and rusty!) signers. Everyone is kind, patient, and full of amazing stories about their experiences being Deaf. We laugh, share stories, and learn together! It is amazing to get to know the beauty of Deaf culture, where pride, resilience, and community are so significant.
Not only would I highly recommend new ASL signers join but also the deaf. Before joining, my sister was truly feeling isolated and misunderstood. Always trying to form herself to a hearing world. These gatherings have been a lifeline, not just for her, but for so many others needing a place to belong. So if you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, and are in need of people to relate to and understand you, please join us! We would be happy to have you!"