ASL Classes

Registration for Fall 2010 Classes Now Open
Sign Language Classes

DAS offers a variety of educational opportunities to learn American Sign Language  and Deaf Culture in order to facilitate and promote communication
between the hearing and Deaf communities.

Information:  DAS offers high-quality sign language instruction using the Vista Signing Naturally curriculum.  Specific emphasis is placed on communication in the daily interaction of people using ASL.  

Conversational Fluency:  Learning sign language is comparable to learning any other foreign language. The length of time and breadth of knowledge required for fluency depends on the motivation of the student and the amount of exposure to the Deaf Community. Typically the best indicator of how long it will take to become fluent is the amount of time spent using the language in its natural environment.

Length of Study:  On average, it takes from 4 to 6 years of active learning to be ready to work as a sign language interpreter. Grammar, vocabulary, fingerspelling, and cultural behaviors are incorporated into all of our courses.  It is our philosophy that language is best learned through immersion, so your voice is checked at the door! 

Additional Training to become a Certified Interpreter: Additional information on becoming an interpreter, please visit our website's information on Interpreting Training Preparatory Program the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf at www.rid.org.  

All communication in class will be visual, and talking is not permitted in the classroom. Homework will be assigned in each class.  There is a minimum enrollment of 6 students per class, and a maximum of 15.  Enrollment will be on a first-come, first serve basis.  Unfortunately we are unable to issue refunds with the exception of a documented medical emergency or a class cancellation.  Workbooks/DVDs need to be purchased prior to the first class and are non-refundable. They are available in a variety of bookstores and online. If you need assistance locating the materials, please feel free to contact us.

New Students:  Student workbook/DVDs will need to be purchased on line. Please feel free to contact our office if you need assistance locating a book. It is strongly recommended that all students own an American Sign Language dictionary. It is an honor and a privilege to offer ASL to the community and we thank you for your interest.

For more information, please contact Amy Heider-Julius

716-335-9192
or
Amy@wnydas.org


Keep Checking Our Website and E-News For
Fall 2010 Schedule

Sign Language: Session 3 from September 7 to November 1, 2010

Class	Location	Dates/Time	Fee
Level 1/Part 1 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	Raymour & Flanigan 1459 Niagara Falls Blvd. Amherst, NY 14228	Thursdays 9/9 - 10/28 6:30 - 8:30p	$85.00
Level 1/Part 1 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	St. Mary’s School for the Deaf 2253 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214	Tuesdays 9/7 - 10/26 6:30 -8:30p	$85.00
Level 1/Part 1 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	Deaf Adult Services 2495 Main St. Suite 446 Buffalo, NY 14214	Mondays 9/13 -11/1 6:30 - 8:30p	$85.00
Level 1/Part 2 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	Raymour & Flanigan 1459 Niagara Falls Blvd. Amherst, NY 14228	Mondays 9/13 - 11/1 6:30 - 8:30p	$85.00
Level 1/Part 2 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	St. Mary’s School for the Deaf 2253 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214	Thursdays 9/9 -10/28 6:30 - 8:30p	$85.00
Level 1/Part 3 *Instructor: CONFIRMED	St. Mary’s School for the Deaf 2253 Main Street Buffalo, NY 14214	Wednesdays 9/8—10/27 6:30 -8:30	$85.00

 Registration Deadline September 3, 2010