Sign language is the basis for communication between deaf people. People need to understand that sign language is its own language. It has its own grammar and structure which makes it its own language. Sign language is not a universal language, unlike the English language, which is spoken all around the world. Our country uses American Sign Language which has a French base which is where sign language was founded.
Sign language is the oldest way in which deaf people have communicated.
Nowadays, technology has produced many devices to accommodate their needs. TDD phones are available at NAU in the University Union and the du Bois Conference Center. The Counseling and Testing Center hosted one of the TDD training sessions. The TDD is similar to a typewriter or keyboard with a phone attached to it. Deaf people communicate by typing the words into the phone.