Perspectives Corporation offers American Sign Language classes to its employees as well as to members of the community (ages 16 and up). These classes are designed for helping professionals who support children, adolescents, and adults who use sign language as a primary means of communication. Teachers, parents, family members, friends, and caregivers will also benefit greatly from taking these classes as they build the necessary skills to communicate with the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing person.

Classes are 2 hours in duration and run for 8 weeks (16 clock hours total). Our classes are not currently able to provide CEU credits, however, Certificates of Completion will be awarded at the conclusion of class.

All classes are held at Perspectives Corporation located at 1130 Ten Rod Road in the Meadows Business Park, North Kingstown, RI.

Classes this Fall begin on September 16th, 2008 and will be held on Tuesday Nights from 6 PM – 8 PM at Perspectives Corporation.

(*An additional Beginner I is offered Tuesday morning from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.*)

• Beginner I
  This is an introductory class where students will use the Signing Naturally, Level 1, Level 1 curriculum (units 1-4) to develop basic sign skills. Supplemental materials and handouts will also be used as students learn signs for the alphabet, numbers, and begin to build a vocabulary of close to 500 signs. Topics and concepts covered include; introducing yourself, exchanging information, describing persons & places, identifying feelings and emotions, and talking about your surroundings. Information on Deaf Culture and Awareness will also be integrated in to this class.

• Beginner II
  This class is a continuation of Beginner I and covers units 5-8 of the Signing Naturally, Level 1 curriculum. Vocabulary and concepts learned from Beginner I will be reviewed as new signs and concepts are introduced. Students will be asked to participate in more of a “voice off” manner as they work on key phrases that include; talking about your family, describing activities, giving directions, and describing others.

• Intermediate
  This class completes the Signing Naturally, Level 1 (units 9 – 12). Class will be held completely “voice off” and will focus on using learned vocabulary to create conversations and discussion using ASL structure. Topics of discussion will include; identifying problems and making requests, describing work and relationships, qualities of others, and describing routines.

For more information about services contact James Simon, LICSW, Clinical Director of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services at 401/294-8181 (voice) or 401/583-0086 (tty)