Support Our Work

Join us as we build a bridge between the deaf and hearing worlds.
Your investment in the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy creates ripples that reach far beyond the classroom - connecting families, expanding opportunity, and reimagining what deaf education can be for an entire generation.
Make A Gift Today

Why This Work Matters

Deaf and hard-of-hearing children deserve the same access to language, learning, and belonging as every other child. Different than antiquated models  of deaf education, The ASLA ‘s innovative 21st Century program looks to connect and unite the new generation of ALL students that need and  use American Sign Language. But for too many families in New Mexico and across the country, that access remains out of reach.

The ASLA is working in partnership with respected and renowned deaf education experts, public education reformers, and post secondary institutions to create a system of learning that serves the families of those who are united by a common language.

Consider the landscape:

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90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents — and only 15% of those parents can effectively communicate with their child through American Sign Language.
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65-75% underemployment and unemployment rate for deaf adults in New Mexico — one of the highest in the nation.
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47% of deaf adults are more likely to experience symptoms of depression. Children with hearing loss have over twice the odds of experiencing anxiety or depression. (American Academy of Audiology)

Our Roots And Future

Founded in 2009 by a group of driven families and big-hearted educators, the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy was built on a simple, powerful belief: every child deserves a school that fits them, not the other way around.

Today, ASLA is the nation's first and only state-certified ASL/English dual-language public charter school. We serve deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students together in one inclusive K-12 community, united by a shared language and a shared commitment to one another.

Family at the Center

Research is clear: strong family connections help children thrive. Built to serve families in the Albuquerque metro area, we offer free ASL classes for families, regular family engagement programming, and transportation support.

Addressing The Growing Need

The ASLA serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade including transition services for students up to the age of 22. Public education should provide a path for all students to pursue a purposeful existence. For this reason, the ASLA continues to develop its high school, transition, and post secondary program (link to NM Developmental Disability Workforce Training Center website) to address the growing need in our community.

A New Home

In 2026, ASLA moved into a brand-new, state-of-the-art school building - a milestone that reflects our growth, commitment, and the trust that the state of New Mexico has in our revolutionary, impactful program.

Ways to Give

Give by Mail

Make checks payable to the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy and mail to: 

P.O. Box 6589, Albuquerque, NM 87197

Workplace Giving & Matching Gifts

Many employers match charitable donations — sometimes doubling or tripling your impact. Check with your HR department to see if your company participates, then submit a matching gift request in ASLA's name.

Planned Giving

A bequest or planned gift is one of the most meaningful ways to invest in ASLA's future. If you're considering including ASLA in your estate plans, please reach out — we'd be honored to speak with you.

andrewf@aslacademy.com

Support Through Partnership

Partnerships with ASLA are flexible and built around your organization’s strengths. 
Here are some of the ways our current partners get involved:

Career Mentorship

Connect with ASLA middle and high school students as a career mentor. Share your expertise, your story, and your professional network with young people who are ready to listen.

Internships & Job Shadowing

Offer our older students a firsthand look at your industry. Internships and job shadowing opportunities are among the highest-impact ways to prepare deaf and hard-of-hearing students for life after graduation.

Classroom & Field Partnerships

Bring your work into our classrooms, or invite our students into yours. Guest speakers, field trips, hands-on projects, and collaborative programs all make a lasting impression.

Research Collaboration

We partner with universities and research institutions to advance what we know about deaf education and dual-language learning. If your organization does relevant research, we'd welcome a conversation. Past academic partners include UNM, the University of Minnesota, Penn State, and Harvard's P.E.A.R. Institute.

Community Events & Programs

Co-sponsor or participate in ASLA community events, from our Enchantment Games and Golf Tournament to conservation programs and cultural showcases. These events build bridges between the deaf and hearing communities and welcome the broader Albuquerque public.

In-Kind & Resource Support

Donate materials, services, space, or professional expertise that directly enriches student programming. From technology to outdoor education equipment to professional training — every resource counts.

Suggest An Opportunity

The ASLA is always open and welcoming to suggestions on ways to better connect our students to the greater community.
Reach out to our Community Engagement Department with your ideas

In Good Company

ASLA is proud to work alongside a growing network of community organizations who share our belief that inclusive education makes Albuquerque stronger for everyone.

Harvard P.E.A.R. Institute (Harvard Medical School & McLean Hospital)
University of New Mexico (UNM)
University of Minnesota
Penn State University
Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge
Albuquerque BioPark
Albuquerque Police Department
BEMP (Bosque Ecosystem Monitoring Program)

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Our Impact
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Our Story
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Volunteer Opportunities
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