Community ASL Classes

Our History:

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.

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 more intimate setting. Contact us for more information!

About our Community Classes:

Each six-week course is $195. 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. 

Note: Beginning Fall 2025, the cost of our six-week course will increase to $210.

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
• Conversational ASL: New for Fall 2025! Strengthen your conversational fluency using board games, debates, storytelling, and fun activities in a more informal class setting. Level 4 is required before taking the Conversational class. In-person only.
• 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. Must be age 5 at the time of the first class. In-person in Framingham, MA,  unless otherwise specified.
• Advanced ASL for Kids: Students will review basic signs and build on conversational ASL. In-person in Framingham, MA,  unless otherwise specified.

Our Course Offerings: 

• Community ASL Classes: We currently offer community classes for ages 16 and older, as well as a few ASL classes for kids and teens 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.
• Personalized ASL Classes: Looking for a more flexible and tailored learning experience? Our personalized ASL classes are ideal for individuals, families, or small groups who want customized lessons based on their goals, schedule, and skill level. Great for refresher sessions, targeted practice, or ongoing support.
• Professional Development (ASL class, Deaf culture, or both!): We offer professional development workshops for schools, organizations, or businesses looking to enhance communication access and cultural understanding. Topics include: ASL basics, Deaf etiquette, Deaf culture, accessibility tips, and more. Sessions can be tailored to your field or workplace needs.
• ASL Birthday Party: Celebrate with a fun ASL-themed party. We host the event with games, storytelling, and signing activities for all ages.
• ASL Club: Our After School ASL Program brings sign language to your school. Students learn through games, signs, and culture in a fun and engaging way. We customize the club to fit your group.
• Special Presentations: We offer special presentations for schools, libraries, and community groups. These sessions can include ASL storytelling, Deaf awareness, live demonstrations, and interactive Q&A. Each presentation is customized to suit your audience and goals.
  
  Please reach out to us if you are interested in the above offerings! Our Community ASL program is designed to cater to your needs.

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.