Who knew that sign language counts as a foreign language for students at Katy ISD? I didn’t.

So we reached out to Brandy Cabe, who teaches sign language at the district’s Taylor High School at 21000 Kingsland in Katy, in order to learn more.

“Sign language qualifies as a foreign language in high school for several important reasons,” said Cabe in an email to the Katy Times. “First, like spoken languages, American Sign Language (ASL) has its own unique grammar, structure, and vocabulary, making it a fully developed and distinct language. In fact, back in the 1960s, a linguist named William Stokoe researched and proved that ASL was a true language, challenging the common belief at the time that it was simply a series of gestures. His groundbreaking work opened the door for ASL to be recognized as a legitimate language, both academically and culturally.”

“Learning ASL not only helps students communicate with the Deaf community, but also promotes cultural awareness and understanding. ASL is widely used in the U.S. and parts of Canada, and just like learning Spanish, French, or any other language, it allows students to connect with a rich and diverse culture,” Cabe continued. “Many colleges and universities also recognize ASL as a foreign language, so taking it in high school can help meet language requirements for graduation and higher education.”

Cabe grew up here in Houston but attended the University of Pittsburgh. She is dual certified in Social Studies and American Sign Language (ASL).

“Like many aspects of life, seemingly small and unimportant decisions can profoundly impact our journey,“ said Cabe. “When I registered for classes at the University of Pittsburgh, I learned that I needed to take an additional foreign language course. As I reviewed my options, I noticed American Sign Language (ASL) among the choices. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

“My first class, Russian History, I made sure to sit in the front row to capture every detail. Next to me was a student named Paul, and across from him sat an interpreter. After class, the teacher requested someone to share their notes with Paul, and I quickly volunteered, eager to help. When I attempted to sign my offer, I stumbled through it awkwardly. Paul, graciously, offered to tutor me in exchange for my notes. He introduced me to his wife, who was also Deaf, and we quickly became friends.”

Over the next three years, Paul and his wife welcomed Cabe into the Deaf community and immersed her in Deaf culture. “They introduced me to a vibrant world filled with rich traditions, perspectives, and connections that I had never considered before,” said Cabe. “This experience not only transformed my understanding of communication but also changed the course of my life. I became an advocate for Deaf awareness and inclusion, realizing how interconnected our lives truly are. Through those small decisions and unexpected friendships, I discovered a new passion and a deeper sense of purpose that continue to shape my journey today.”

“My teaching career began in North Carolina, where I taught middle school English and Social Studies. I continued teaching middle school English and Social Studies in Okinawa, Japan, before moving to Texas, where I taught Economics and ASL. For the past 18 years, I have been teaching ASL in Katy. In 2016 I won the Edmodian of North America for the year. I am currently working with the Katy Virtual School on creating online ASL courses. I have taught the online ASL 1 for three years.”

Cabe strongly believes that there is a need for students to be fluent in sign language in today's world.

“The need for students to be fluent in sign language—especially American Sign Language (ASL)—is more important than ever,” she said. “As our society becomes more diverse and inclusive, it’s crucial that everyone, including the Deaf community, has access to effective communication. Learning ASL is a great way to bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf individuals, helping build stronger connections, empathy, and understanding. Being fluent in ASL also opens up all kinds of opportunities! Students can engage with a rich and vibrant culture, while also setting themselves up for careers in fields like education, healthcare, interpreting, social work, or law enforcement, where communicating with Deaf individuals is becoming increasingly essential.”

Students are interested in taking sign language for many different reasons, said Cabe, “including its practical benefits, cultural insights, and personal connections, making it a popular choice in many academic settings. ASL Is the third most commonly used language in the United Stated and has an increased presence in literature and film, increasing the interest in students taking the course.”

Cabe says that parents are generally in favor of the student’s choice to take the course. ”Parents typically are very excited and supportive of their student learning ASL. They are encouraged to learn the basics with their students and be a partner in the learning experience by watching the embedded videos, attending events, and using the language outside of class.”

Currently, Taylor High School has approximately 130 students enrolled in ASL courses. “Our ASL Honor Society (ASLHS) further encourages students to immerse themselves in the Deaf community by participating in events like local Deaf socials, where they can practice their skills and gain valuable cultural experience,” said Cabe.

Across the district, five campuses offer ASL classes, and ASL levels 1, 2, and 3 are available online through KVS. Altogether, there are over 700 students enrolled in ASL program, Cabe said.

Cabe also works at the Texas Renaissance Festival as an ASL interpreter.

“My degree focus was in Medieval Studies, and I've been attending the Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) since I was five years old,” she said. “When my family moved back to the U.S. from Japan where my husband (a Marine) was stationed, we began attending TRF regularly, often dressed in period costumes and camping on-site. In 2014, I attended one of the first Deaf Days at TRF and was invited to co-coordinate the event alongside Michelle Martin. The following year, we expanded Deaf Day to a full weekend, and the year after that, it grew to two full weekends, leading to the creation of ASL Faires TX, with Amber Warren joining as Vice President and Nick Thornson as Secretary. ASL Faires TX is an all-volunteer group of certified interpreters, interns, and community members dedicated to creating an accessible and inclusive event for the Deaf community each year. In 2016, we introduced DeafBlind Day in November, in partnership with the DeafBlind Camp of Texas and Jen Borland.”

One of the highlights, for families camping, is the family craft activities led by Bobbi Shea, who ensures a fun and safe environment for kids every Friday night. “On Saturdays, we host a family marshmallow roast, creating cherished memories for families attending the festival,” said Cabe. “Additionally, we offer informational tours for newcomers, helping them navigate and appreciate all that the festival has to offer.”

In 2015, Cabe became a member of the TRF Ambassador Program, a dedicated volunteer group that supports the TRF Marketing team by serving as brand ambassadors at a variety of events.

“The Ambassadors do more than just promote events; we actively collaborate with several charitable organizations, including the Gulf Coast Blood Bank, the National MS Society, the Galveston Food Bank, and the Grimes County Backpack Drive,” said Cabe. “These partnerships allow us to give back to the community and support important causes.”

In 2021, Cabe was invited to join the leadership team for the program, allowing her to contribute even more to our mission of community engagement and support. In 2023 she was knighted by the King of the festival and given the title Baroness.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of two amazing programs that allow me to participate in the faire's activities and help create an inclusive, welcoming environment that shares a bit of that magic I experienced my first time at faire with others,” she concluded.