Willie Ross School for the Deaf Offering American Sign Language Classes

LONGMEADOW — Willie Ross School for the Deaf (WRSD) is offering American Sign Language classes beginning Tuesday, Sept. 13 at the school’s Longmeadow campus at 32 Norway St. Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and will run for 14 weeks.

All of the class levels begin on Sept. 13, and during the first class, WRSD teaching staff will assess participants’ fluency to determine the best level placement.

The Level 1A beginner course is for students who have no previous experience in sign language or finger spelling. Students will learn the manual alphabet and will learn to combine words to form simple sentences. The Level 1B course will focus on expanding basic vocabulary and conversation skills.

The Level 2A intermediate course will focus on further expanding vocabulary and conversation skills, and the 2B course is designed for students who possess a strong basic sign-language vocabulary and fluency in expressive and receptive communication.

The Level 3 course is the most advanced course, designed to further build on expressive and receptive communication.

Registration costs $150, and books are available for rental ($10) or purchase ($85). Certificates of completion will be issued based upon three or fewer absences. To register and learn more, visit www.wrsdeaf.org/american-sign-language-classes.

WRSD is also offering a free American Sign Language course for parents and guardians of deaf and hard-of-hearing students on Wednesday evenings. The course will also utilize a Spanish translator for Spanish-speaking families. For more information, contact Laurie Brown, director of Outreach Services, at lbrown@wrsdeaf.org or (413) 567-0374.

All WRSD sign-language courses use the Signing Naturally curriculum. The Level 1A course uses units 1-3, Level 1B uses units 4-6, Level 2A uses units 7-8, Level 2B uses units 9-10, and Level 3 uses units 11-12.