Troy Kotsur Appears on Sesame Street Teaching American Sign Language
Troy Kotsur, an Academy Award-winning Deaf actor, recently made an appearance in an episode of the timeless PBS children’s show “Sesame Street” teaching American Sign Language. He was the second Deaf person in history to win an Oscar, the 1st being his CODA co-star Marlee Matlin.
He appeared on the show to explain to 2 of the Muppets and the show’s international audience the show’s regular “Word of the Day” in ASL. He said to Sesame Street characters Rosita and the Count that he’s Deaf and that he communicates with other people through ASL.
What is American Sign Language (ASL)?
This well-recognized form of sign language is used by Deaf people throughout North America and in other parts of the planet as well, like in Canada. The use of sign language to interact is called signing. ASL uses both manual or hand-based gestures as well as movements with other areas of the body to communicate messages.
The Word of the Day is Diversity
The actor said that it means understanding and also appreciating the differences in how people look, where they’re from, and how they communicate with other people.
The Importance of Troy Kotsur’s Appearance on the Show & Teaching ASL for the Deaf Community
Troy Kotsur’s guest appearance on Sesame Street is notable for combining 3 different languages — American Sign Language, English, and Spanish — and repeating several words. This feature of the signing segment improves viewers’ ability to sign these terms and even demonstrates the diversity of sign language use.
Watching a Deaf actor doing American Sign Language on Sesame Street, which has a worldwide viewership, can help fill the void in Deaf representation in the media. The importance of providing user-friendly media for the Deaf has never been more evident than now.
Small Steps Towards Greater Awareness and Inclusivity
Such small changes in the global media are powerful because they get individuals talking. Hearing people become more aware of the Deaf, are more exposed to Deaf communities, and begin to comprehend some of the accessibility problems that Deaf people encounter every single day.
