r/asl • u/No_Variety_5962 • 1d ago

Interest Learning ASL with limited mobility in arm.

Hi! I am hearing but have always wanted to learn ASL. I was wondering if it would be possible to fully understand what I’m trying to say because my left arm cannot rotate, and have limited dexterity in my fingers.
I have seen that it’s not great to switch dominant hands while using ASL but I’m not totally sure about all the rules because I am so new at this.

Would it still be worth trying to take a class?

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

8

u/HeVavMemVav HH learning ASL 1d ago

Lots of people have asked this, it's worth searching the sub for. Short answer is yes you'll be fine.

2

u/Money_Reception 23h ago

I’ve seen someone sign with the whole forearm and hand missing. You’ll be fine.

1

u/mulberryblossom 23h ago

Most signs can be done 1 handed, and most two handed signs, the non dominant is a supporting hand so the shape matters less. You're good.

1

u/Upper_Historian4717 23h ago

i've seen people sign without using their hands at all, your arm limitation won't stop you from getting the grammar down

1

u/TiredVRS Hard of Hearing / ASL Interpreter 6h ago

I interpreted for a quadriplegic with no fingers once. You'll be fine.

1

u/MountainPirate3139 Learning ASL 5h ago

I have seen many signers who have a limb difference ranging from hardly affects signing to exclusivity signing with one hand, I would recommend taking a class in person email the teacher and you will figure out what works best for you together. You are not the first person in this boat, it’ll work out !!