ASL Classes for the Community
Welcome! Rochester School for the Deaf is pleased to offer American Sign Language (ASL) classes to the community. Are you interested in learning ASL? Whether you are a beginner or want to advance your proficiency in ASL, we'd love to see you in one of our classes!
Rochester has one of the largest Deaf communities in the nation, and learning ASL helps us all participate more fully in all aspects of civic life and allows us to be good neighbors and create a welcoming community. Many individuals choose to take classes with us to help them communicate with friends, clients, patients, family, and coworkers.
We offer three 10-week course sessions per year in fall, winter, and spring.
We also partner with area organizations and businesses to customize courses.
SPRING 2024 CLASSES
Spring session classes will begin the week of April 15, 2024. Two ASL 1 classes will be offered this session in person as well as an ASL 2 class on Zoom.
ASL 1 - Tuesdays from 6 pm - 8 pm
April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18
ASL 1 - Wednesdays from 6 pm - 8 pm
April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12, 20 (no class on 6/19)
ASL 2 - Tuesdays from 6 pm - 8 pm
April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18
Check-in begins at 5:30 pm on the first night of classes in Lyon Hall. Parking is available in Lots A and C.
Spring session classes will begin the week of April 15 and run through mid-June. The dates and times for each class level available will be posted in March. Online registration will open on March 22.
Community Classes follow the curriculum outlined in Signs of the Times by Edgar H. Shroyer. Signs of the Times uses pictures to demonstrate the signs. Using the spiral approach, signs are repeated and build on previously introduced signs and then integrated into sentences. Each lesson also looks at Deaf culture.
Sign up for ASL 1 if you haven't taken any classes before. Lesson 1 - 10 will be covered from the Signs of the Times book.
Sign up for ASL 2 if you have previously taken ASL 1 and you are ready to move on to Lesson 11 - 20 of the Signs of the Times book.
Class Fee: $115, payable at registration
Book Fee: $40 with registration (pickup at RSD required) or you may order it on Amazon.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I pick up my book for class?
Books may be picked up on campus. The location and date for pickup are in the registration section. The book must be paid for in advance with registration.
Rochester School for the Deaf is located at 1545 St. Paul Street, Rochester, NY.
What should I bring to class?
Please bring or have available a pen/pencil, pocket folder, writing pad, and the textbook.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds are issued after the first class. Up until the second class, the enrollment fee may be credited and applied to a future SFA class within the year. No credits or refunds will be issued after the second class.
Is there a minimum enrollment?
Yes. All classes are contingent upon sufficient enrollment. These classes are provided as a service to families and the community.
Registration is open from March 22 thru April 9!