On September 20, the Orlando City Soccer Club hosted American Sign Language (ASL) Night, an event dedicated to celebrating the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This event allowed individuals from Quest’s group homes, who recently completed ASL classes at Quest’s Apopka training center, to engage meaningfully with the game, staff and community.
Identifying the need for communication support
ASL classes were initially launched at the training center to enhance communication and community engagement between Quest staff and clients, many of whom struggle with hearing and communication. Courtney Cannon, a dedicated volunteer and advocate for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, eagerly agreed to teach basic ASL signs and phrases to both clients and staff via Zoom over the course of four weeks.
“I know what it feels like to be left out, not knowing what is going on, and feeling like no one wants to befriend you because they don’t share a common language,” said Courtney. “I wanted to bridge that gap between clients, bringing smiles to their faces because the staff can understand them, while also empowering the staff with the tools to communicate effectively.”
By learning ASL, clients began to express themselves in new and meaningful ways. Months later, when the opportunity to attend ASL Night arose, Courtney was eager to invite the participants from Quest. Upon attending the game, they quickly realized that other members of the deaf community exist, use ASL and share similar experiences.
Promoting inclusion & accessibility
To enhance the inclusive experience, Bridge Language Services provided ASL interpreters during the game, ensuring that deaf attendees could fully understand and enjoy every aspect of the event—from announcements to crowd festivities. The presence of an ASL interpreter made a significant difference for attendees like Arthur, who was able to immerse himself in the game in a way that’s not usually possible.
“The interpreter guided Arthur throughout the game, letting him know when to cheer and clap, helping him keep track of the score, and explaining what was happening on the field. Her support made the experience not only accessible but deeply meaningful,” said Crystal Whitelaw, the activities coordinator at Quest’s Springs group home.
Closed captioning and accessible seating also proved to be key ADA accommodations for many individuals. The presence of diverse groups enhanced the welcoming atmosphere, facilitating new friendships and shared experiences while strengthening bonds between clients and staff.
Lisa, one of the clients, expressed her excitement, stating, “I liked it when they were playing against the other team and scored a goal … and I saw that cool guy from the office,” she expressed with joy referring to John Dogaer, Quest’s chief administrative officer.
Authentic connections and meaningful experiences
ASL Night at the Orlando City Soccer Club was more than just a soccer game; it celebrated community, accessibility and the joy of coming together. Quest takes pride in participating in events like these, which further our mission of helping individuals with developmental disabilities experience full lives.
“It brings me genuine joy to ensure our individuals feel included in everyday life,” said Crystal. “Opportunities like these reflect our dedication to upholding a professional standard while remaining grounded in inclusion, dignity and respect.”
