About Our Classes
For nearly 40 years, people have been coming to The Learning Center for the Deaf to learn American Sign Language (ASL). While some may have a deaf family member, many simply love languages and want to learn ASL. Whatever your reason for enrolling, we promise a dynamic and engaging learning experience led by instructors who are Deaf and fluent ASL users. Our classes are small and encourage full participation in a fun and conversational setting. While you work to develop an ASL vocabulary and understanding of the language, you will also be learning about Deaf culture and history.
We currently offer community classes for ages 16 and older, as well as a few introduction to ASL classes for younger kids throughout the year. The format (in-person, hybrid or virtual) will depend on demand and instructor availability. Classes do fill quickly, so we encourage those who are truly interested to register as soon as possible when we announce it. Please see course descriptions below and view the FAQs at the bottom of this page for additional information regarding pricing, etc.
About our Community Classes:
Each six-week course is $195. Classes are scheduled over six weeks, but some adjustments may be made due to holiday, weather, or instructor conflicts. Registration links will post under each session as enrollment opens. Be sure to join our ASL Email List to receive an alert when each session is available!
There are no required text books or supplemental materials for for class. TLC encourages the use of a TRUE+WAY ASL online account to support your learning and class curriculum to support our students. Please note: Should you choose to register for an account, there is a small fee, and students are responsible for that additional cost.
ASL Classes for Kids:
We offer a beginner ("Into to ASL") and an advanced ASL class for children and young teens:
- Intro to ASL (Beginner): Students learn their ABCs, numbers, colors, animals, and basic communication signs. We ask that your child be age 5 or older by the first class; parents and caregivers are required to accompany their child to each class.
- Advanced: Students will review basic signs and build on conversational ASL
Our classes are held in-person once per week for 90-minutes in Framingham, MA, unless otherwise specified. See upcoming schedules below.
Classes Open for Registration:
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COMMUNITY CLASSES
Classes run from December 2, 2024 through January 23, 2025. No classes December 23-January 2.
Level 1 (remote): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 PM
Level 1 (in-person): Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM
Level 2 (remote): Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Level 2 (in-person): Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Level 3 (remote): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
Level 4 (in-person): Mondays, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Level 5 (remote): Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:30 to 7:30 PM
ADVANCED ASL FOR KIDS
Advanced ASL for Kids is designed for youth who have a good understanding of basic ASL and/or who have completed our Intro to Kids class, and who wish to build on conversational skills.
Classes begin December 3, 2024 through January 21, 2025, and are held in-person on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in Framingham, MA. No classes December 23-January 2.
Intro to ASL For Kids
Course Descriptions:
- Level 1: Basic ASL vocabulary, fingerspelling, and ASL grammar to construct simple sentences
- Level 2: More sign language gestures, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, and vocabulary to express complex ideas and sentences
- Level 3: Intensive vocabulary building, ASL sentence construction, and telling short stories for conversations in ASL
- Level 4: Further developing vocabulary and building confidence in signing sentences and conversing in ASL
- Level 5: Descriptive phrases, employment, giving directions, chores/household conversations, money
- Intro to ASL for Kids: Designed to be interactive and fun for the whole family! A five-day class to provide an introduction to basic American Sign Language, geared toward younger children.
Individual, Small Group and Private Classes Available!
We are happy to accommodate special requests for private or small group classes for local businesses, community members, or even families who wish to strengthen and develop their ASL skills in a quieter setting. Please complete an inquiry form below so we can learn more about your request!
Current TLC Families
Is your child/family currently enrolled at Marie Philip School, Walden School, or Walden Community Services? In addition to supporting our students inside the classroom, we offer basic ASL classes for students' primary caregivers at no charge to support language development and social emotional wellbeing in the home. Classes are offered in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Registration is communicated through our family newsletters; you are also welcome to reach out to us at any time to request more information.
Meet Your Instructors!
Stephanie, affectionately known as “Ruiz,” has a passion for adventure and world travel - she has visited more than 30 countries! Ruiz currently works as a Visitor Relations Specialist and member of the Advancement Office at TLC, in addition to being a Community ASL Instructor.
She was an Education Teacher at a Deaf school in Ghana from 2016-2018 as part of her time with the Peace Corps, enjoys snowboarding and cooking international cuisine.
She received her Bachelor’s in Media Design, Photography and Graphic Design at Gallaudet University.
Angel is Deaf from birth and learned ASL at Lafayette Elementary school in San Diego, California at the young age of two! Angel continued to learn ASL at California School for the Deaf School, Riverside and then went on to Gallaudet University and become immersed in Deaf culture. Angel also graduated with a Bachelor’s in Deaf Studies/ASL and Master’s in Sign Language Education.
Pam is a current Residential Child Care Worker at Walden School at TLC. She has taught ASL for more than 20 years at Northern Essex Community College, and has been an ASL Instructor at TLC for more than 15 years.
Pam is Deaf but did not learn ASL until she was 15 years old. She has two CODA children, and a large family - seven sisters and three brothers. In addition to her work and dedication to TLC, Pam enjoys sewing, hiking, cooking and visiting her second home in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Staff
Lia Angeli
Lia brings more than 15 years of professional interpreting experience. Since 2008, she has owned and operated HandsUp Interpreting; a multi-service agency that coordinates interpreting services in a variety of settings such as medical, mental health, employment support, and government agencies.
Growing up immersed in Deaf culture and using American Sign Language, Lia’s brother, uncle, and two sister-in-laws are Deaf. Lia also attended various Deaf camps.
Lia loves to travel the world with her partner and son. She has been to 37 counties so far!
I am learning ASL so that I can be a better communicator with my deaf and hard of hearing coworkers. In addition to strengthening my ASL skills, I have loved learning the origins of some ASL signs, and also about Deaf Culture.