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Office Address & Hours
Contact Information
Awareness & Education .................. (314) 714-6401
Fax .................................................. (314) 266-7427
Request Online Securely ........................ Click Here
DEAF Inc.
25 East Frisco Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
All times are in Central Standard Time (CST)
Introduction to Sign Language
Introduction to sign language class is an eleven-week course. This introductory course prepares individuals to communicate in American Sign Language, designed for those who desire to learn another language and communicate with deaf individuals. American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary mode of communication for most of the deaf population. ASL has its own grammar, and is not derived from any other spoken language. It is a unique and distinct language of its own which does not depend on speech or sound and, like most languages, ASL changes frequently to meet current needs.
In this 11-week session on American Sign Language, students will learn approximately 100 signs, as well as syntax, non-manual signals, and receptive skills. Everyone who signs up for this class will also learn the ASL manual alphabet that consist of twenty-six simple one-handed signs which represent the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet to effectively communicate unknown signs to with another deaf individual who is an ASL signer.
Often, Introduction to Sign Langugae classes are offered for free. Sign Language classes are offered twice a year. Fall classes are from September to December. Winter classes are from February to May. To sign up for classes, click here.
Related Links:
Sign-Up: Introduction to Sign Language
HandSpeak
Once a month during the 11-week period, Deaf Inc will host a “silent” event called HandSpeak. During HandSpeak, the participants in the sign language classes will have an opportunity to interact with attendees who are late-deafened, parents of deaf children, and native ASL signers. For more information about HandSpeak, click here.