Mikayla Smith utilizes American Sign Language to discuss present weather conditions and forecast forthcoming weather events. She began the program while predicting in Sherman, Texas. She signs everything she says throughout her broadcasts in ASL.
Mikayla's interest in American Sign Language Started at a Young Age
Mikayla was born and raised in Rockwall, Texas, about 30 minutes east of Dallas. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma's class of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology.
Her study of American Sign Language made her empathetic to the situation of D/HoH people.
Mikayla is passionate in using ASL to communicate local weather events to Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. As a dedicated supporter of the Deaf and hard of hearing, she is always looking for new ways to learn and improve as a meteorologist and signer in order to be the best ally she can be for the community.
Mikayla Has Become an Overnight Internet Sensation
Mikayla's weather forecast videos quickly went viral. She hopes that her signing of weather forecasts will inspire others to learn sign language.
Mikayla is pleased with the public reaction to her signed forecasts. She hopes that the new signing movement will spread, thereby assisting deaf communities that may not be able to receive news and weather reports on a regular basis.
Mikayla's efforts can be extremely beneficial to the deaf community.
One in every eight people in the United States aged 12 and up has some degree of hearing loss in both ears. Hearing loss affects approximately 30 million people in the United States. Good thing, Mikayla Smith started "Signing Science with Smith" to help Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Weather updates include scientific data, which is accessible to both hearing and deaf people.
Some have expressed concern that Mikayla's signing does not always convey the intended message correctly. Some have encouraged her to continue learning sign language and become more fluent by working with a Deaf mentor. She says she's making significant progress toward improved access to news and weather.