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Beginner American Sign Language

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) tailored specifically for the modern workplace. Participants will develop the foundational skills necessary to produce and decode the manual alphabet and cardinal numbers 1–30, enabling the accurate communication of proper nouns, schedules, and inventory counts.

Students will integrate essential grammatical structures, using facial expressions and body transitions to distinguish between statements and various question forms. The curriculum emphasizes receptive competency, training learners to analyze and respond to signed instructions typical of professional settings. Beyond basic vocabulary, the course focuses on interpersonal execution, empowering students to initiate formal introductions, employ professional courtesy, and articulate requests for clarification to ensure workflow accuracy. Through collaborative role-play simulations, participants will coordinate meetings, convey directions, and facilitate workplace assistance. Assessment of these competencies involves one-on-one proficiency interviews and skill-based simulations designed to evaluate conversational fluency and the practical application of ASL in real-world business scenarios.

  • Produce and decode the ASL manual alphabet to fingerspell proper nouns. Utilize cardinal numbers 1–30 to manage schedules and workplace counts accurately.
    • Integrate facial expressions and body transitions to distinguish grammatical structures, specifically isolating statements from Yes/No and Wh-word questions.
    • Analyze and respond to concise signed instructions and inquiries typical of a professional environment.
    • Initiate formal interactions, conduct self-introductions, and employ professional conventions of courtesy, including "Please" and "Thank you."
    • Articulate requests for clarification, direct interlocutors to adjust signing speed, and indicate non-comprehension to maintain workflow accuracy.
    • Execute role-play simulations to coordinate meeting times, convey precise directions, and facilitate workplace assistance.

Manual Alphabet and Number Fluency — Produce and decode the ASL manual alphabet and cardinal numbers 1–30 to accurately communicate proper nouns, schedules, and inventory counts

Receptive ASL Skills — Analyze and respond to signed instructions and communications in professional settings with growing confidence and accuracy

ASL Grammar and Syntax — Apply foundational ASL grammatical structures including facial expressions and body transitions to distinguish between statements, yes/no questions, and open-ended questions

Professional Communication and Courtesy — Initiate formal introductions, employ professional courtesy phrases, and navigate workplace interactions with appropriate ASL etiquette

Workplace Vocabulary — Apply essential ASL vocabulary relevant to professional environments including directions, meeting coordination, and workplace assistance

Clarification and Comprehension Strategies — Articulate requests for clarification to ensure accurate understanding and workflow continuity in signed conversations

Conversational Fluency in Context — Demonstrate practical ASL communication skills through role-play simulations, one-on-one proficiency interviews, and real-world workplace scenarios

Inclusive Communication Practices — Apply foundational ASL skills to create more accessible and inclusive interactions with Deaf and hard-of-hearing colleagues, customers, and community members

Employee registration is coordinated by the Program Manager supporting your training. Depending on the course, employees may register in person, through an organization-provided roster, or via a self-registration link. Your Program Manager will guide you through the best option for your specific training.

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