COMMUNITY CLASSES 

COMMUNITY CLASSES: Participants will learn basic, conversational signs that can be learned quickly and used easily starting with the first session.  A minimum of 50 signs will be learned in each 2-hour session.

COODINATOR: Your group will need a group Coordinator who will do the following:  a) gather a group together, b) arrange for a cost-free location, c) determine how fees will be collected from the group, d) submit the $120 group-fee/per session to the instructor, and e) negotiate with the instructor, all details pertaining to the sessions.

LOCATION FOR INSTRUCTION: A place of coordinator’s choice; this can be a place of worship, community center, library, school, business or suitable area in someone's home. Note: if snacks and drinks are wanted they will be purchased and provided by the group.

WHEN CAN SESSIONS BEGIN?  Start date is negotiable; weekdays, weekday evenings or weekends are possible. Instruction is offered year-round.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND?  Anyone, as determined by the group Coordinator.

HOW MANY SESSIONS? Ongoing if interest by instructor and participants warrant it.  

FEE: $120 (for the group) per each 2-hour session.  

HOW MUCH DOES EACH INDIVIDUAL PAY? This will be at the discretion of the Coordinator. In some cases, coordinators locate an individual, group, organization or employer which pays the full fee as a community service. In other cases, each student pays a given amount as agreed upon by group members and the Coordinator.  

GROUP MAXIMUM:  20 participants; this allows for individual attention and maximum learning.

AMERICAN MANUAL ALPHABET:  The American Manual Alphabet is introduced in all ASL tutoring sessions and classes. Three separate 2-hour sessions are offered for those who wish to master outstanding expressive and receptive skills with the American Manual Alphabet.

In those sessions you will learn: a) proper ways to make each letter, b) proper ways to move from letter to letter, c) the proper way to capitalize letters, d) the proper way to make double-letters, e) the proper way to fingerspell so others can understand and enjoy it, f) when it is best to fingerspell and when it is best to sign,  g) how to develop ‘expressive’ skills, h) how to develop ‘receptive’ skills,  i) how to ‘blend’ your signs and fingerspelled words for efficient, pleasant, clear communications,  and (for those interested), j) how to use the manual alphabet to teach little ones, very early in life, the phonic sounds that each letter makes; this knowledge can peak an interest in, and expedite, the little one's eagerness and ability to learn how to read and write.

TUTORING 

TUTORING is the most expedient way to learn sign language; it allows you to learn signs most suitable for your particular lifestyle and environment.  You will learn a minimum of 65 signs during each two-hour session.

Tutoring is typically reserved for one person. If needed, it can be set up for 2 or 3 individuals.

LOCATION:  Your choice:  in your home or a public place:  a coffee shop, library, business, place of worship or other suitable place; location must be within a 15 mile radius of The Junction, West Seattle.

FEES: $45 per hour for tutoring one or two individual.  $55 per hour for tutoring 3 individuals.  All sessions are two-hours in duration.  You will spend the first hour learning signs and the second hour practicing the signs and learning how to “read” them when you see them. 

Fee is due at the time of tutoring.  NOTE: There is no fee for infants and small children who attend caretaker-infant tutoring sessions and classes.

DURATION OF TUTORING: Ongoing if interest by instructor and participants warrant it.  

SPECIAL NEEDS: Tutoring and classes are available for those of any age whose verbal communications are disrupted. This includes those who have had a stroke or surgeries and disorders that have disrupted speech.

Tutoring and classes are also available for children with Apraxia, Autism, Aspberger’s Syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, hearing loss, emotional disorders, learning disorders, behavioral problems, Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyslexia, a combination of both hearing and visual loss, or any other circumstance that disrupts speech.