Niche gun course offers new hope for the Texas deaf community
Justin Bourke
July 17, 2016
SAN ANTONIO — A local gun club is working to allow a new group of Texans to enjoy a right that until recently was out of reach.
In July, members of the deaf community gathered for a license to carry class at the Nardis Gun Club. The class, taught entirely in sign language, represented a first in San Antonio.
“A lot of people were uncomfortable having a deaf person in their class,” said Robert Anlauf, a student who spoke to Eyewitness News through a sign-language interpreter. “They didn’t know how to get around the communication part.”
Anlauf said he had to wait two years to find a class that would take him in. He said he had used guns all his life, but wanted to get a concealed handgun license so that he could learn more about his rights and how to use a gun for self-defense responsibly.
He is one of the lucky ones.
“Another couple in here said they’ve been waiting almost 10 years to find a class because they’ve been turned down by every other school they went to,” said instructor Jonathan Galloway.
Galloway said he had previously worked as a sign language translator in license to carry courses, but found most gun clubs couldn’t afford to hire the extra people to cater to such a niche audience.
He said he switched to doing classes exclusively to deaf gun owners to give them a chance to learn like anyone else. He says he only recently became a certified firearm instructor, making him the second person in Texas capable of teaching such a class.
“There’s also someone else who does them in Dallas,” said Galloway. “So really, in the state of Texas, you’re looking at San Antonio or Dallas as far as I know.”
Galloway said he hopes to begin teaching the class twice a year depending on demand. Each class can fit 22 students for now, based on the size of the room and its ability to accommodate a full crowd with direct line of sight.
He said his next class will take place in August 2016.
Anlauf, who had waited so long to get his handgun license, said he thinks there will be plenty of people who will sign up.
“Oh yes, for sure there’s more people,” said Anlauf. “There’s definitely more people.”
Those who wish to sign up or learn more about the courses can reach out to Nardis Gun Club at (210) 661-8300.
SOURCE: (Video with CC)
http://www.kens5.com/news/local/niche-gun-course-offers-new-hope-texas-deaf-community/275126444