Learn ASL with DHCC
Learning American Sign Language can be a fun and enjoyable experience for individuals, families, groups and businesses.
Learning ASL can be fun!
DHCC offers a fun, relaxed learning environment and community-level, non-credit beginner American Sign Language (ASL) instruction via community classes, on-site corporate classes, and private one-on-one sessions. Our teachers, who are native ASL users, promote a relaxed learning environment with both structured and spontaneous dialogue. This gives students the opportunity to develop appropriate conversational strategies that are unique to Deaf Culture.
Class Levels
DHCC offers 5 beginner class levels and three intermediate conversation levels:
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Beginner ASL 1
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Beginner ASL 2
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Beginner ASL 3
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Beginner ASL 4
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Conversational ASL (MUST complete Beginner ASL 4 in order to take Conversational ASL or complete an evaluation with one of our qualified Deaf instructors)
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Fingerspelling, Numbers & Glossing (MUST be ready for Beginner ASL 3 in order to take Master ASL)
There is no prerequisite for the Beginner ASL 1 class. Enrollment in classes beyond Level 1 should be based on previous experience and evaluation if necessary. Please note that certain class levels may not run due to insufficient enrollment.
The textbook we use is called ASL at Work; you can arrange to purchase this textbook through us by emailing asl@dhcc.org and arranging contactless pickup, or you can purchase the textbook directly from the publisher, Dawn Sign Press. If purchasing the textbook through Amazon/eBay or similar websites, used textbooks may not include a code for the online library, which we use frequently for homework.
Although we have several in-person classes available, many of our ASL classes and private tutoring sessions are being offered online via Zoom. Access to a laptop or a desktop computer is required to sign up for online sessions.
Classes available across the greater Philadelphia region!
Class size is limited and enrollment is on a first come, first serve basis. Register early to guarantee your seat! In addition, DHCC requires a minimum of 8 students per class. If registering for an adult ASL class, you must be age 18 or older.
Learning ASL beyond DHCC
If you are interested in continuing your American Sign Language skills beyond DHCC’s beginner classes, there are a variety of colleges and universities that offer advanced ASL and Interpreting classes. Refer to your local college’s website for more information, or to the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf for interpreting programs at www.rid.org.