Collin Johnson with his daughter.
By Collin Johnson
“Choices B Us” is a unique bilingual board game designed to promote awareness, communication, and community development. I am writing this in hopes of bringing it to life, by sharing my story.
As an experienced American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and the founder and owner of Liberty Domain Interpreting, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting the deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) community in meaningful ways.
A Personal Journey
The story of Choices B Us begins during a pivotal time in my life. In 2018, while serving time in a New York prison, I committed to a path of self-reinvention and education. Despite the challenges of living with genetic disorders, a speech impediment, and a history of adversity, I made the decision to change my life by learning.
In 2019, I enrolled in a four-year program studying ASL and Deaf studies under the guidance of my professor, Kathy Shavers. Upon completing my education, I became the lead ASL interpreter for nine D/HH inmates in the facility.
These experiences, combined with my personal struggles and professional growth, inspired me to create Choices B Us, a game that bridges communication gaps and fosters understanding in communities.
Strengthening Communication
Choices B Us is more than just a board game. It’s a bilingual, educational tool designed to strengthen communication between individuals while addressing life’s challenges. The game integrates English and ASL, using pictorial images, signs, symbols, and definitions to create an immersive experience for players of all ages.
The goal? To explore the interplay between personal decisions, community relationships, and communication in the workforce. Whether focusing on business growth, economic awareness, or self-development, Choices B Us, as evidenced by the name, teaches players the importance of clear communication and informed decision-making.
How the Game Works
Each player begins with resources, including $1,500 in cash, $5,000 in business credit, and a timecard—the lifeline of the game. Players strategize to achieve success by forming businesses or nonprofits while navigating challenges and opportunities.
The objective is to build a strong portfolio and win $1 million in scholarships tied to five key areas:
Business development
Language and communication skills
Hearing loss awareness
Economic growth
Entrepreneurship
The game is designed to inspire children, teens, and adults to invest in self-improvement while having fun. It’s perfect for classrooms, after-school programs, and family game nights, providing an engaging way to learn leadership, decision-making, and community development.
Beyond the Game
Through my company Liberty Domain Interpreting, I have gained over seven years of experience as an ASL interpreter specializing in legal settings like court hearings, client meetings, and depositions. I am committed to providing high-quality ASL interpreting services that ensure clear communication for the D/HH community.
I believe Choices B Us is a movement to bridge educational and communication gaps. I hope it can help inspire the next generation of leaders and advocates in the D/HH community and beyond.
I was born in Jamaica in the West Indies, and now live in Queens, New York, where I am the father of an 8-year-old girl. I believe my experiences as a parent, interpreter, and educator have deeply influenced my commitment to improving understanding and inclusion for all.
Collin Johnson lives in Queens, New York. If you’re interested in partnering or learning more, please email him at libertydomaininterpretingllc@gmail.com.
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In 2018, while serving time in a New York prison, I committed to a path of self-reinvention and education. Despite the challenges of living with genetic disorders, a speech impediment, and a history of adversity, I made the decision to change my life by learning.