ASL for Everyone at All Souls welcomes everyone to learn ASL (American Sign Language) with an interactive and fun class with ASL-fluent Deaf, queer-friendly teachers. We will be meeting in Room 128 every Thursday 6 pm, from November 7 through December 19 with a break on November 28 for Thanksgiving.

Our first meeting will be an Open House where you can meet your teachers and the other students, ask any questions you may have, and learn more about the class.

Then, over the next 5 weekly classes we hope to offer two levels (depending on interest). ASL 1 focuses on the fundamentals of ASL, including the alphabet and fingerspelling, basic vocabulary, sentence structure, and conversational skills. ASL 2 will help you get more advanced in your conversational skills, including skills like using classifiers and depiction. In both levels, you will learn about Deaf culture and gain a better understanding of the Deaf community.

The classes will be held in an immersive, no-voice environment and taught by ASL-fluent Deaf teachers using games, demonstrations, visual aids, and other techniques. However, there will be ASL-English interpreters present for the Open House to support learners in asking questions and giving feedback.

Frequently asked questions

• What levels are these classes good for?
  ASL 1 is a beginner class, suitable for those who have never taken ASL before, or who have not taken a class for a while and want a refresher on the basics. ASL 2 is an intermediate class, suitable for those who know the alphabet and basic signs and want to learn more!
• What ages can participate?
  We welcome anyone who is interested and willing to learn!
• How long are classes?
  We have the space booked from 6 pm to 7:30 pm, but the teachers will be on site for a few minutes before and after classes to respond to any questions or offer additional support
• Why is this class “voice-off”? How will I understand the teachers?
  Research has shown that a no-voice environment is the most effective way to learn Sign languages, and it shows respect to our teachers by not having side conversations that are not accessible to them. For more information see https://www.handspeak.com/learn/12/
• I have a question that’s not on here!
  Email Bethany at mysterylove2 (at) yahoo (dot) com and they’ll get back to you ASAP!