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

Course Description/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.  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. On average, it takes from 5 to 7 years of active learning to be ready to work as a sign language interpreter. For more information on becoming an interpreter, please visit the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf website at www.rid.org.

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!  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.  

Fees:   

All Deaf and Hard of Hearing students may attend classes for free, and need only to purchase books/materials.

     Tuition for Vista Level 1 and Level 2:  $85.00/per session
     Tuition for Vista Level 3:  $95.00/per session

                    
         
 
* A Sign Language Dictionary is also recommended.

ALL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASSES WILL RESUME SEPTEMBER 2008.  
Registration will begin in August. We look forward to seeing you there!