Frequently asked questions
ASL Pasta
ASL Pasta is pasta inspired by American Sign Language (ASL) handshapes. Each shape represents a handshape used in ASL, bringing language, culture, and connection to the dining table. It’s a fun, meaningful way to make ASL part of everyday life.
As a Deaf family, we wanted to bring ASL and Deaf identity into a place where families naturally come together: the dining table. We created ASL Pasta to encourage conversation, celebrate Deaf culture, and make language access more visible. Our mission is to turn everyday meals into opportunities for connection, learning, and inclusion.
Our current ASL Pasta designs include the 1, 3, 5, and I-L-Y handshapes. Each design celebrates the visual nature of ASL and creates opportunities to explore handshapes and their significance.
Absolutely! ASL Pasta is a fun, hands-on way to spark curiosity about ASL. You can explore handshapes, talk about Deaf culture, and start conversations around the table. It’s a learning companion, not a replacement for ASL instruction or learning directly from Deaf signers.
Yes! ASL Pasta can be incorporated into homeschool lessons, classroom activities, Deaf awareness programs, cultural learning, and family game nights. Educators and families can use it to spark discussions about ASL, handshapes, language access, and inclusion while making learning interactive and memorable.
Ingredients & Food
Our pasta is made in Arizona, where our grains, manufacturing, and packaging come together locally. We’re proud to support Arizona-based production and bring you a product that is family-made in spirit and ASL-inspired in purpose.
We use durum wheat semolina for our ASL Pasta, with ingredients sourced and processed through our Arizona production partners. We prioritize local production, from grain sourcing to manufacturing and packaging, whenever possible.
Our ASL Pasta is made with durum wheat semolina and contains gluten. We occasionally offer pasta made with heritage grains, which some people find easier to digest. While these options may be gentler on some stomachs, they still contain gluten. We don’t offer gluten-free options just yet, but we hope to expand our offerings in the future!
Our ASL Pasta is vegan. However, our seasonings differ: Basil’ly Pesto Mix is vegan, while our Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese Mix contains dairy ingredients. Please review each product’s ingredient list to find the best fit for your dietary needs.
Our Basil’ly Pesto Mix features three simple ingredients: dried garlic, basil, and parsley. It’s a versatile, salt-free seasoning that is vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and sugar-free. Check the product label for the most up-to-date ingredient and allergen information.
Our Old-Fashioned Mac & Cheese Mix combines cheese and creamy dairy ingredients with seasonings for a comforting, classic flavor. Ingredients include whey, nonfat dry milk, cheddar cheese, salt, butter, buttermilk, lactic acid, natural flavors, annatto and/or paprika for color, and vitamin E. It is lacto-vegetarian and contains dairy.
Store unopened pasta in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight, your ASL pasta can last several years.
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until tender. Our 8.8 oz package generally cooks in 6–7 minutes, while our 16 oz package cooks in 7–8 minutes. Cooking times can vary, so taste-test toward the end and adjust to your preferred texture. Drain and serve with your favorite sauce or Parents Gone Hiatus seasoning.
Ordering & Shipping
You can shop our ASL Pasta and seasonings through our online store at parentsgonehiatus.com. You can also find us at select markets, pop-ups, and community events around Tucson and beyond. Follow us on social media or check our Markets & Events page to see where we’ll be next!
Yes! We offer FREE shipping on U.S. orders over $60. Stock up on your favorite ASL Pasta and seasonings, and enjoy a little extra savings while bringing more language and connection to your table!
Shipping costs depend on your order and delivery destination. Your available shipping options and costs will be displayed at checkout before you complete your purchase.
Once your order ships, look for a shipping confirmation email with tracking information, when available. Use the tracking link in that email to follow your package’s progress.
We want your Parents Gone Hiatus experience to be a positive one! If your order arrives damaged, is missing an item, or appears to be lost in transit, please contact us through our website with your order number and a description of the issue so we can review it and help.
Please review our current return and refund policy on our website for the applicable terms. If you have questions about an order or receive a damaged or incorrect item, contact us directly so we can help determine the next steps.
We offer local delivery in North and Central Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley. If you live outside our local delivery ZIP codes, local pickup may be available as an alternative. Available options will appear at checkout based on your location. If you have questions about delivery or pickup availability, feel free to contact us!
Interested in ordering for a classroom, organization, event, or group? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us with the products you’re interested in, your estimated quantity, and your timeline so we can discuss your needs and available options.
About PGH
Parents Gone Hiatus is about taking a break from the everyday routine and making room for connection, discovery, and fun. For us, that connection often begins around the dining table, where food brings people together and creates opportunities to share language, stories, and experiences.
Yes! Parents Gone Hiatus is a Deaf-owned, family-made business founded by Elizabeth Edgar and Alexander Heath. Our family’s experiences inspire our products and our commitment to making ASL, Deaf identity, and inclusive communication part of everyday life.
ASL is more than a language to us. It represents identity, belonging, culture, and connection. As a Deaf family, we understand how important accessible communication is, especially at the dining table, where people should feel included in conversations. Through ASL-inspired products, we want to make language visible, celebrate Deaf culture, and encourage meaningful connections.
We’re Elizabeth and Alex, a Deaf couple and the founders of Parents Gone Hiatus. Elizabeth leads website design, brand identity, packaging, and behind-the-scenes creative work. Alex brings ideas to life through product inventions, games, sales, and community conversations. Our kids pitch in with markets, packaging, shipping, and taste-testing. Together, we’re building a family business rooted in creativity, culture, and connection.
Everyone who believes in connection and inclusion! Our products are made for Deaf and hearing families, ASL learners, educators, homeschoolers, classrooms, community organizations, and anyone who wants to celebrate ASL and Deaf culture. Whether you’re learning something new, planning an activity, or sharing a meal, there’s a place for you at our table.
Community & Accessibility
We attend select markets, pop-ups, and community events in the Tucson and Marana area. Visit our Find Us page and follow us on social media for upcoming event announcements, locations, and opportunities to shop with us in person.
YES! We love opportunities to connect with the Deaf community and celebrate ASL and Deaf culture! Follow our announcements or reach out to let us know about upcoming Deaf community events, gatherings, and celebrations.
We’re always interested in connecting with communities that share our passion for language, culture, and inclusion. If you’re organizing a market, festival, school event, or community gathering, contact us with the event details, date, location, and opportunities available.
We welcome opportunities to connect with Deaf-owned businesses, organizations, educators, and community groups. If you have an idea for a collaboration, partnership, educational activity, or community project, we’d love to hear about it!
Supporting Deaf-owned businesses goes beyond making a purchase. Shop their products, share their stories, recommend them to friends, attend their events, and help make spaces more accessible to Deaf people. Learning ASL and supporting Deaf-led initiatives are also meaningful ways to show your support. Every action helps build a more inclusive community.
We’d love to explore opportunities to bring our ASL-inspired products to more communities! If you’re a retailer, gift shop, specialty food store, or other business interested in carrying our products, contact us with your business information, location, and the products you’re interested in. We can discuss potential wholesale or retail partnership options.
Yes, we welcome inquiries from schools, nonprofits, Deaf organizations, community groups, and event organizers interested in our products. Whether you’re planning an educational activity, community celebration, fundraiser, or special event, contact us with your goals, estimated quantities, and timeline so we can discuss what may be possible.
