Deaf comedian Sandro Hatibovic entertained about 650 students in American Sign Language programs during an engaging performance at Massapequa High School on Nov. 7. Students from 18 schools on Long Island attended the comedy show, hosted by Massapequa’s ASL Club.
Mr. Hatibovic, a social media influencer and content creator, shared his journey from a young child in Bosnia to an Ohio-based internet personality. Funny stories and hilarious anecdotes told through both sign language and a voice interpreter provided lots of laughs. The 90-minute performance concluded with a question and answer session.
ASL Club co-presidents Emilio Egher and Nicole Heller said that the goal was to raise awareness about deaf culture and the role of American Sign Language in society.
“I hope that it gets more people aware of the fact that comedy doesn’t have to just involve sounds and laughs, but people being together and enjoying each other’s company,” Emilio said. “Sandro just seemed like a great fit for the students and whose comedy would be well received.”
Nicole said that while Massapequa and many other Long Island schools have thriving ASL programs, she would like to see even more students commit to learning sign language. She noted that it exposes people to new perspectives and helps build empathy.
“It’s a great program, a great community and it can become a big part of your life,” said Nicole who, along with Emilio, has been learning sign language since ninth grade.
Mr. Hatibovic also held an evening performance for the deaf community. The ASL Club has hosted different performers over the past few years, with each open to schools with deaf and ASL programs.
“Sandro’s show was informative and inspiring as his stories, along with his sense of humor, impacted the American Sign Language students,” said Massapequa ASL teacher Melanie Smith. “It gave them an opportunity to gain an insight into what a deaf person experienced growing up as well as sharing various deaf culture stories and jokes.”