Lottie Cassese Signing for the Future

American Sign Language mentor Lottie Cassese has been a member of the Sinclair ASL lab since 2011. Born deaf, from a Deaf family, she worked at the Indiana School for the Deaf, in Indianapolis before moving to Dayton. She has mentored ASL students to communicate with deaf family members, friends and students seeking interpreting degrees. She is on the board of the Deaf Community Resource Center, board for the Ohio School for the Deaf, Board Govern for the Ohio School for the Deaf Alumni Association and youth coordinator for the Ohio Association of the Deaf.

Her dedication motivates her every day.

(Through an interpreter)

“I have probably worked with 300-400 students. I know about interacting with interpreters, students and socializing within the community. So I’m definitely better able to help students prepare with experience to transition into an interpreter. I’m definitely proud to be here and work here.”

“We have four Deaf Mentors, which is a fabulous resource for communication with students. We have a new CFE Lab coordinator (Steve Bright) who’s deaf. This is the best lab for the interpreting program in Ohio.”

Have you had a teacher or mentor in the community that had a major impact on you?

“When I was 14, I met Frank Turk, grandfather of the Jr. NAD at the National Association of the Deaf. He was so expressive and communicative. I’ve had a lot of communication in a Deaf family but that was one of the first moments I truly understood what a leader would look like. Someone who helped me become the person I am today.”

What newsworthy events are happening in the ASL Lab and Sinclair?

“From Nov. 6^th-14^th “Quid Pro Quo,” a production in ASL will be in the Black Box Theatre. Two characters, hearing and deaf switch roles. Two interpreters will interpret their roles. It’s a huge event. Also the Sinclair Interpreting Program is celebrating its 35th anniversary.”

What movie, TV show or play do you think most accurately portrays the Deaf Community?

““Switched at Birth,” Broadway’s “Spring Awakening,” Nyle DiMarco on “American’s Next Top Model” is a true representation. A company called ASL Films makes ASL films with full signing, captions but no sound.“

Is there any advice you would give someone learning ASL?

“Our youth are our future and I want to make sure our interpreting students are getting full access. I want all students to feel equal, no need to label deaf and hearing. Don’t be afraid of Deaf people. Don’t look at us any different, we all are equal except that we can’t hear.”

Would you want to hear if a device was offered?

“No. I am very happy and proud to be a Deaf person. I feel being deaf is very unique. It’s very much part of my identity. My deafness is a gift. It’s incredible to be deaf and work with interpreters. If a person is born deaf, that’s their gift, that’s who they are.”