Training MTA Workers in American Sign Language

James and Wendy, both TWU Local 100 members, are taking American Sign Language classes provided by the union and CWE

"You are going to walk past a deaf person on the train, on the bus. You want to include them, because we've all gotten lost on the subway, haven't we?" 

That’s how Teddy Evans describes the need for American Sign Language (ASL) in New York’s mass transit network. Evans is an instructor in ASL classes designed specifically for MTA workers, provided by Transport Workers Union Local 100 and the Consortium for Worker Education. 

New York City is home to over 200,000 deaf residents. With New Yorkers primarily depending on the transit system to get to work or other destinations, it is imperative that subways and buses are accessible to deaf residents. 

“I've always wanted to learn ASL since I was a teenager, but I never felt confident enough,” says Wendy, a TWU member and subway cleaner. “When I heard about the class, I thought, this is my chance.”

About 450 union members have participated over the six years that TWU and CWE have offered the class. They meet once a week, in three-hour sessions. Each class runs ten weeks. Graduates can grow their understanding of the language in a Level 2 course. 

Devora, an MTA train conductor, was able to put her new understanding of ASL to use when she spotted two deaf commuters in need of directions. “My teacher always tells me to trust my hands,” she says, “so I tried that and they understood me! My job, this class, it all intertwines. By learning ASL, I can help more people.”

ASL is one of two dozen classes offered by CWE and TWU Local 100 for members, covering topics in construction, computers, first aid, and personal finance. 

Head over to our Instagram page to watch a video featuring interviews with Teddy Evans and his students.