ASL Classes & Outreach
DAS provides education about Deaf and Hard of Hearing to the Western New York community through:
Sign Language classes- Outreach presentations
- Deaf Community workshops
Through these educational opportunities, DAS enhances Self-Awareness in the Deaf Community and increases knowledge of Deaf Culture.
DAS offers ongoing day and evening classes to teach American Sign Language (ASL), providing opportunity for ALL individuals.
Our continuous effort to create Community Awareness about Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities is accomplished through presentations to:
- Civic clubs Sponsored in part by:
- Neighborhood and Professional Associations
- Businesses
- Churches and Schools
- Health Fairs
- Local Law Enforcement and First Responders
- Medical Service Providers
Interested in learning more? Contact the ASL Coordinator at communications@wnydas.org or call at 716-335-9388
Upcoming Session: 2023 ASL Classes do occur on various days with semesters being set up throughout the year.. All are being done Virtually right now.
Visit here to register for the Spring Semester
Class Level Descriptions
Level 1 - No previous Sign Language experience required nor expected! This class will focus on proper hand shapes, sign space, parameter of a sign, alphabet, numbers, introductions, personal information, yes/no questions, basic greetings, and Deaf Culture.
Level 2 - Some Sign Language knowledge required (Fingerspelling, Numbers, Colors, Basic Greetings, etc.) OR completion of Level 1. This class will focus on honing the basic skills learned in Level 1, allowing students to feel comfortable with Basic Conversations.
Level 3 - Completion of Level 2 OR comparable skills required. This class will introduce you to Classifiers (hand shapes), the importance of Facial Expressions and introduction ASL Grammatical structure.
Level 4 - Completion of Level 3 OR comparable skills required. This class will focus on Fingerspelling Techniques, Introduction of Storytelling techniques, and further development of Grammar. This level includes a student video project/assignment.
Level 5 - Completion of Level 4 OR comparable skills required. This class will be discussion-based. Students will discuss their opinions in ASL on topics related to Deaf Culture. Students will be introduced to ASL Idiomatic Expressions. Students will make a How-To video giving instructions on how to complete a task. This level includes a student project/assignment. Also, with time given, this class will include ASL Poetry as a visual language. Students will explore ASL poetry, hand shapes poems, and number poems/songs. Students will also be introduced to Basic Interpreting Skills. This class will includes student videos.
(LEVEL 4 and 5 will only be taught one semester a year).
Classes are 10 weeks long and meet once a week per session. During the Winter Session we have a Snow Day added in, in the event classes are canceled due to inclement weather.
Current Cost: $135 - General Public
**If you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and require assistance to cover the cost of classes, please inquire about our scholarship options.
Refund Policy
Refunds will only be granted due to class cancellation OR student emergencies & /or medical issues with documentations as proof.
We do recognize other obligations can get in the way of attending classes but adherence to this policy allows us to continue to offer our classes at a reasonable cost. If you realize that you cannot attend the class as scheduled, you must request the credit within 10 business days before the class begins for a full refund. Any notification after that, a credit will be issued and will be is valid up to a year (12 months from issued date).
If you paid via check, credit card, money order, Flipcause or PayPal, refunds will be issues upon proof the payment was properly credited to Deaf Access Services (DAS). Your refund in the form of a DAS business check will be made within 30 days of the approved request. If you paid by cash, payment must be confirmed by DAS and you will receive your refund in form of a DAS business check within 30 days.