ASL Classes for RSD Families
Welcome! Rochester School for the Deaf is pleased to offer American Sign Language (ASL) classes for the families of current RSD students. RSD is proud to support families as they learn ASL as an important part of your child's growth and development. We strive to support your family to have meaningful and open communication with your Deaf or hard-of-hearing child, so they can blossom linguistically, socially, and emotionally by having an accessible visual language at home, at family events, and in interactions in the Deaf community.
We offer three 10-week course sessions per year in fall, winter, and spring.
Spring session classes will begin the week of April 15 and run through mid-June. Online registration will open on March 22.
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 2024 CLASSES
Spring session classes will begin the week of April 15, 2024.
ASL 1 - Tuesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21, 28; June 4, 11, 18
ASL 2 - Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5, 12
IMMERSION ASL - Thursdays from 6:30 - 7:30 pm
April 18, 25; May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; June 6, 13, 20
CLASS LEVELS
Family Level 1
This is a beginner’s level class designed for family participants age 12 and up with little or no previous knowledge of ASL. This level focuses on the development of communicative skills involving signing comprehension and production that includes: fingerspelling, vocabulary, basic ASL sentence structure, common phrases, and two-way dialogue conversations. Awareness of Deaf culture and community is also included.
Units include the following topics:
Family Level 2
A continuation of Family Level 1, this class focuses more on fingerspelling fluency and reception, vocabulary expansion, extended sentence structure, common everyday phrases, and increased class participation dialogues. Additional topics will be shaped by family requests, as well as ASL rhythm and awareness and class discussion on Deaf culture. Age 12 and up.
Family Immersion Level
This level is designed for family participants who have taken previous ASL classes over time and have developed good receptive and productive fingerspelling skills and a higher level of survival signing skills. In this class, we will:
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- Explore new topics and vocabulary each course offering
- Provide opportunities to develop conversational skills through immersion
- Be flexible and responsive to the level, needs, and interests of families in the course
NOTE: It is common for family members to take Levels 1 and 2 several times before advancing to the Family Immersion Level. Some families go on to take other classes online and at local colleges and universities to increase their fluency and knowledge.
Book: To be determined
Sibling Class
We would very much like to offer sibling classes for all children under 12, but we are currently having difficulty hiring ASL teachers with the skills and experience appropriate to teach our young siblings. We may not be able to offer a sibling class for all age groups, but will notify RSD families of opportunities as they are confirmed. Thank you for your understanding.
REGISTRATION & FEES
Books may be purchased when registering for pickup at RSD, or ordered online directly through Amazon or the vendor of your choice.
Immediate Family
NO FEE is charged for RSD students' immediate family members (parents, legal guardians, grandparents & siblings) age 12 and up. RSD assumes the costs for immediate family members.
Extended Family
A fee of $115 per person is charged for extended family members (aunts, uncles, cousins) age 12 and up.
ASL STORYTIME VIDEOS
Our good friends at RSD's Early Childhood Resource Center have created a beautiful series of storytime videos to share in the joy of reading and ASL with your family.
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 will be 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.
Spring session classes will begin the week of April 15. Online registration will run from March 22 thru April 9.