US primary students start sign language club to communicate with deaf student

Grade five students in the US have started a sign language group so they can better communicate with a classmate who is deaf.

The Mark Bills Middle School students, in Illinois, use their lunch and recess time once a week to learn American Sign Language (ASL).

Student Rhemy Elsey, who uses hearing aids, has been deaf since birth. His translator and instructor for the group told ABC News in the US the initiative had given Rhemy more confidence.

"It's wonderful to see him have interactions with students that are one-on-one and that are more natural interactions that make him feel less isolated in the school setting," she said.