Programs
Outreach Services

Community Sign Language

The American School for the Deaf has been offering non-credit community sign language classes for over 45 years. Our American Sign Language (ASL) classes cater to three different groups: Adult, Youth, and Babies. And now introducing: Elementary age classes, for those ages 4-7 years old!
Classes provide a variety of resources designed to support the goals of the class. Learning any language requires time and practice. You will enjoy building your knowledge of ASL to communicate with a friend, family member, or colleague. Students learn best through communication activities including group practice, games, exercises, and dialogues. We have a supportive and enthusiastic community of teachers.

We hope you will join us - Please reach out with any questions!


At this time, due to instructor unavailability, Baby/Elementary classes will not be offered this Spring.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

SUMMER session to be announced at the end of Spring 2024!
CLICK BELOW TO EXPAND FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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  • General Class Information

    Interested in joining a sign language class, but missed the current session?  Don't worry!  We will have more available coming soon!  Until then, see the general class information below for planning purposes.  Specific schedules for each session can be found by clicking to expand the designated class level.

    GENERAL ADULT CLASS INFORMATION ($250)
    We offer three sessions of Adult sign language classes: Fall, Spring, and Summer.  Each class level is offered every session.  At this time, we are offering in person and virtual classes.  See the general offerings below:

    FALL (runs once/week for 10 weeks, September-November)

    SPRING (runs once/week for 10 weeks, March-May)
    SUMMER (runs 2x/week for 5 weeks, July-August)
    • ASL 1
    • ASL 2 
    • ASL 3
    Classes run for two hours, usually on a week night or on a  Saturday.
    **Specific class schedules subject to change each semester, due to instructor availability


    GENERAL YOUTH CLASS INFORMATION
    We currently offer those 13+ to join our adult classes virtually.  Alternatively, parents may opt to attend the classes with their youth in person, if preferred.  Please see the adult class information above, or reach out for more information.


    GENERAL BABY/ELEMENTARY CLASS INFORMATION ($125)
    We offer Baby/Elementary classes during our Fall and Spring session.  Classes are held in person.  See the general schedule below:

    FALL (runs once/week for 5 weeks, starting in October)
    SPRING (runs once/week for 5 weeks, starting in April)

    • Baby (3 months-3 years) - Saturdays, 9:30-10:30am
    • Elementary (4-7year) - Saturdays, 11am-12pm

    Need more information, or want to be notified when the next session registration is posted?  Fill out this form to be kept in the know! 


    **Class availability/schedules are subject to change given enrollment, instructor availability, and/or other variables.  Please fill out the information form above, or revisit the website for full session details as they become available.

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  • Adult (13+) Sign Language Classes

     CLASS FEE: $250 per person
    VIRTUAL CLASS: One additional member in the same household may join on the same screen for an additional $50.

    Our Adult American Sign Language (ASL) Classes are designed for all individuals, hearing or deaf, who want to learn how to communicate in ASL. The three levels offered advance in vocabulary and language structure, and touch on information related to Deaf Culture. Upon completing all levels, students should have a well-rounded knowledge of ASL vocabulary and structure that they can use conversationally.


    SPRING 2024 Session
    March 9th - May 23rd, 2024
    Meets once weekly (see below for individual class dates) - 10 sessions 

    Youths 13+ are welcome to join the virtual classes

    CHOOSE EITHER: 

    IN PERSON

    ASL I
    • Saturdays, 10am-12pm
      • March 9th - May 18th -- (NO CLASS March 30th) -- CLASS IS FULL
    • Saturdays, 1pm-3pm
      • March 9th - May 18th -- (NO CLASS March 30th)
    • Tuesdays, 6-8pm
      • March 12th - May 21st -- (NO CLASS April 9th) -- CLASS IS FULL
    ASL III
    • Tuesdays, 6-8pm
      • March 12th - May 21st -- (NO CLASS April 9th)

    -OR-

    VIRTUAL

    ASL I
    • No virtual classes are available this session.  Virtual class offerings will return in the summer.
    ASL II
    • Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00pm
      • March 12th - May 21st -- (NO CLASS April 16th) -- CLASS IS CANCELLED
    • Thursdays, 6-8pm
      • March 14th - May 23rd -- (NO CLASS April 18th)


    TEXTBOOK
    Adult Sign Language Classes will be using the text:
    Learning American Sign Language: Level I & 2- Beginning Intermediate (2nd Edition)

    Following the text, the Adult Sign Language classes are divided into three levels:
    LEVEL I: UNITS #1-8
    LEVEL II: UNITS #9-16
    LEVEL III: UNITS #16-24

Contact Us

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  • Photo of Krystal Sonidis

    Krystal Sonidis 

    Student Information Systems (SIS) Data Manager
    Voice: 860.570.2399
Need more information, or want to be notified when the next session registration is posted?  Fill out this form to be kept in the know! 
Minimum number of students required to run class.
Class is subject to cancellation due to insufficient enrollment.
Any class cancelled due to weather/instructor illness will be made up.

REFUND POLICY: No refunds after the first day of class.

REGISTRATION
: We must receive either payment, or a check payment pledge in order secure a spot on the roster. After you have completed the registration and payment forms, you will receive an e-mail verifying your registration.

DEADLINE
: Must register/pay 2 weeks prior to class start date.
Failure to pay 2 weeks prior to class start date will result in being placed on the wait-list.

To cancel a class registration or if you have a question please contact:
Krystal Sonidis
krystal.sonidis@asd-1817.org
(860) 570-2399

Send all Check payments to:
American School for the Deaf
Community Sign Language
139 N Main Street
West Hartford CT 06107
Attention: Krystal Sonidis

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