Christina Quattrone, a junior from Kennesaw, is the club president of “Hear My Hands,” a University advocacy group for the exploration, promotion and education of American Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

Q: Why does your organization exist, and how long has it been on campus?
A: The purpose of establishing HMH is so more people recognize deaf culture.
This is the second year that HMH has been recognized as an official University organization.

Q: What is a common misconception about your organization, and how would you dismiss it?
A: Most people think that the club is only for students taking American Sign Language courses. It is open to anyone interested in learning more.

Q: What kinds of long-term benefits does a knowledge of sign language offer?
A: Knowledge of sign language is also having knowledge of another culture – it helps hearing people see through deaf people’s eyes.
Benefits are being able to communicate with deaf people.

Q: What’s been HMH’s proudest accomplishment so far, or what do you ultimately hope to accomplish?
A: I believe our best accomplishment is having a big increase in the number of members from last year to this year. Also, an increase in the number of American Sign Language courses.

Q: What does your organization do besides meet?
A: The officers and class representatives meet once a week. We have at least one event every month for the members of the club.

Q: When, what time and where do you meet?
A: We meet at the SLC on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. near Jittery Joes.

Q: What’s the first step in getting involved?
A: Contact me or any other officers listed on the HMH Web site.
Interested students can e-mail Quattrone at cquat@uga.edu or visit the HMH Web site at http://hmh.uga.googlepages.com/home.