ASL 1 Online class

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is now offering American Sign Language (ASL) Classes online!

See the “true colors” of American Sign Language during this eight-week course! Did you know that ASL is more than just signs? It is a visual language created by the Deaf that uses signs, expressions, and unique linguistic features to communicate. ASL is its own language with its own grammar and sentence structure. It also incorporates important elements of Deaf culture and community! Throughout the eight weeks of ASL 1, you will learn new signs and how to use them properly to communicate with the Deaf community and others who sign. Each week you will also discuss Deaf culture and how it has shaped ASL as a language. Seats are limited, so register today!

So how does online learning work with ASL?

Classes meet once a week on Tuesday nights from 6-8 pm for eight weeks using Zoom video conferencing (note that class will not be held the week of Memorial Day and July 4th and will resume the following week).Class meets on May 18, 25, June 8,15,22,29 July 13 and 20.

Each week the instructor will teach new signs and go through practice exercises with the students. Class materials can be accessed on a course platform called Thinkific. Students must have access to internet and a webcam on their computers. Students should use a computer, not an iPad or tablet. Zoom has limited viewing capabilities on mobile & tablet devices.

The class uses a book called “A Basic Course in American Sign Language” by Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, Terrence J. O’Rourke and Frank A. Paul (illustrator). ISBN: 9780932666420. This book includes exercises that are used for homework practice. It is used for all D&HHS ASL classes. You can purchase the book online through Amazon or other retailers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a voices-off class, allowing students to learn through full immersion. We believe that immersion is the best way to learn any new language and culture. An interpreter will be used for the first class to introduce every student to the course comfortably, but the following classes will be taught voice off with no interpreter. Take on this challenge! This class is a safe space, and the instructor wants you to be successful. If you need them to slow down or repeat themselves, just ask! You can use the chat box feature to ask questions and communicate during class.

Thank you for registering for an ASL class with D&HHS! We look forward to seeing you in class!

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is a nonprofit agency in West Michigan with the mission of providing equal communication access, education, and advocacy to the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing in pursuit of all life’s opportunities. Any profit from our classes are used to fund our programs that support those in the communities we serve. Please visit our website, www.deafhhs.org, to learn more about our agency. Thank you for your support.

The cost is $100 per student until May 10, 2021. The price is $110 after that. No refunds will be given after the first day of class. Only the cost of the class will be refunded. THE EVENTBRITE FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. For students under 18 please contact datwood@deafhhs.org for more details. If the class should be cancelled for any reason a refund will be given.