Sign Language

Since the early 1990’s, the Society for disABILITIES has offered beginning, intermediate and advanced sign language classes staffed by instructors. The Society has taught approximately 2,500 community members to sign. Many of the participants in these classes do not have hearing problems themselves but have family, friends, or coworkers who must communicate using sign language. These classes significantly enhance communication in social and family settings.

Described below are the classes offered at Society for disABILITIES. Some of these classes are only offered once a year. Books may be required & should be purchased from a variety of sources prior to the first class.

BEGINNING (A) SIGN LANGUAGE

This is our basic beginner’s class. We will be learning the fundamentals of manual communication, the basics of ASL, beginning and basic sentence structure, finger-spelling, alphabet and numbers, social interactions and greetings, introductions, and cultural do’s and don’t’s. We will also cover a variety of vocabulary words in both everyday conversations and categories.

We will be learning how to put our vocabulary words into sentences and how to express ourselves with gestures and body language. This class is recommended for Beginners & those with some exposure to the language. This is a progressive class designed to advance incrementally with each 10 week session.

BEGINNING (B) SIGN LANGUAGE

This is a continuation of Sign Language (A). We will be delving more into the book and increasing our vocabulary knowledge while continuing to practice sentence structures, finger-spelling and conversation skills.

INTERMEDIATE SIGN LANGUAGE – Not available this session

This class concentrates on taking your skills and using them for presentations, storytelling and activities using only signs to express yourself. “Silent nights” will focus on using your knowledge of sign language and communicate without relying on your voice or oral language.

ADVANCED SIGN LANGUAGE – Not available this session

This class concentrates on building your sign capabilities and confidence. The instructor will give directions and conduct the bulk of the class in sign, so you will need to have a good grasp of the language and effective expressive and receptive skills.

Requirements:
Book

• Book is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and more:
• Learn American Sign Language: Everything you need to start signing – Complete Beginner’s Guide 800+ signs by James W. Guido
  ISBN-13: 978-1577151074
  ISBN-10: 1577151070
• Student is responsible for purchasing prior to class and bringing into class every week

Materials

• Notebook
• Pen/pencil

UPCOMING SIGN LANGUAGE COURSES (courses will be offered to waitlist students first, then on a first come-first serve basis):

2022 SPRING CLASSES

• Beginning Sign Language (B)
  • Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:00 PM
  • February: 1, 8, 15, 22; March: 1, 8, 15, 29; April: 5, 12
  • To register for Spring Classes, go HERE.

Each class is 10 weeks. Recommended for students 16 years and older. Cost is $75 per person per session.
**Please Note: Registration will not be accepted without payment. No refunds or credit for future classes will be issued unless you notify the office by 12:00PM the day prior to the beginning of your class.

Contact Channa at (209) 524-3536 or channa@societyfordisabilities.org