American Sign Language Organization

Join us October 17, 2024 at 7pm to hear from Justin McDole, a child of a deaf adult (CODA).

Please note, while this event does not require registration to attend, seating is first-come, first-serve.

Justin McDole

Justin McDole is a CODA (child of deaf adults) and alumni of WKU who graduated with his minor in ASLS. As a CODA, Justin grew up with ASL/PSE being the primary language at home. His Dad mainly used ASL to communicate, while his Mom used PSE. As his mom was the primary caretaker of the family, Justin, and his sister, Kayla, mainly used PSE to communicate to their parents.

As Justin went to elementary school, his communication skills were behind in English, and as a result, had to attend speech therapy and be held back a year. After finishing speech therapy, Justin became most comfortable using English as his primary language.

Fast-forward to entering his freshman year in college, Justin learned that he wasn't as familiar with ASL as he previously thought, and enrolled in ASL I at WKU. As he grew more familiar with the grammar system and structure of ASL, he completed his minor in ASLS at WKU, and his love for signing, deaf people, and his family grew even more!

Justin currently works at Holley Performance Products as a Digital Marketing Manager, is married to an insanely beautiful woman (fun fact: she is WKU's new dance team coach and works with WKU Cru!), and currently serves in the deaf ministry at his church, Living Hope Baptist Church, with bible studies and the occasional interpretation, when needed.