How to Take ASL Classes

By eHow Education Editor

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American Sign Language is a non-verbal language used by the deaf and hearing impaired in the United States. Learning to sign will help you communicate with the deaf community in your area.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Call or visit the website of the community colleges or universities in your area. Several community colleges offer ASL and allow people to audit or "open enroll" in their classes. This way you don't have to worry about getting credit or being graded, just focus on learning this new language. Sometimes schools have pre-requisites, but usually a phone call or a visit to an advisor's office will help you get around the requirement.

Step2

Look into community education programs in your area. Sometimes there are fun adult education courses offered at night in local high schools or colleges. Often these course are inexpensive and relaxed. Night school programs may also give ASL instruction. Call your local school district to find out more information.

Step3

Check with your state's division of services for people with disabilities. You many find a support center for the disabled in your area that has a night class. Also the "American Annals of the Deaf" from Gallaudet University lists services for deaf people.

Step4

Ask local chapters of the National Association of the Deaf if they offer classes or if they know who does. Also, check with churches in your community. Several churches support their hearing-impaired or deaf parishioners by providing classes for the congregation.

Step5

Go to the library. If all else fails, you can teach yourself using books and videos. There are several good ASL dictionaries as well as workbooks and instructional videos available. If your library doesn't have these materials, ask if they can order them or get them through inter-library loan.

Tips & Warnings

If your area doesn't offer any ASL instruction, request educational institutions and community groups to start a class. If you're interested, chances are someone else is, too. Encourage others in your town to join or enroll in an ASL program that is being piloted.
Many people are uncomfortable with the overt facial expressions and body movements at first; it may feel a little like awkward charades.