CHS is pleased to offer Adult Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced level ASL classes, as well as Youth classes. These are all non-credit community adult classes. Maximum per class is 15 registrants. In-person classes take place at the CHS office: 2017 N. Mendell, Suite 3NE, Chicago, IL 60614 and Anixter Center: 1945 W. Wilson, Chicago, IL 60625. Virtual classes will take place over Zoom and a link will be sent to registrants individually. Sign language classes meet weekly for six (6) weeks. The online classes are 1 hour and 30 minutes long, while the in-person classes are 1 hour and 45 minutes. The cost is $120 per person. Youth classes cost $75 per person for a 6-week session. Please note that any request for a refund must be made in writing prior to the start of the second class. For more information or questions, email Karla at: CHSLearn@anixter.org. To join our Sign Language Class mailing list, please complete the “Newsletter Link” below.
2024 CLASS CALENDAR
Session #1 Week of January 22 to March 8
Session #2 Week of April 8 to May 20
Session #3 Week of June 3 to July 19
Session #4 Week of August 5 to September 20
Session #5 Week of October 7 to November 15
All our classes are taught by Deaf instructors. There will be NO VOICE/AUDIO used during classes. Our content focuses on grammar and structure of ASL as well as Deaf Culture and lived experiences of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people.
Classes are limited to 15 people, so register early! Registration will close one week prior to class start date. In-person classes take place at the CHS office: 1444 W. Willow Street, Chicago, IL 60642 (free parking). Virtual classes will take place over Zoom, and a link will be sent to registrants individually after registration.
| Day/Dates | Class | Format | Time | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mondays, 6-7:45pm | ASL 1 In Person at Anixter (1945 W Wilson 3rd Floor, Chicago) | In Person | 6-7:45pm CST | CLOSED |
| Tuesdays, 6-7:45pm | ASL 1 In Person at CHS (2017 N Mendell St, 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60614) | In Person | 6-7:45pm CST | CLOSED |
| Tuesdays, 6-7:45pm | ASL 2 In Person at CHS (2017 N. Mendell St., 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60614 | In Person | 6-7:45pm | Register |
| Tuesdays, 6-7:45pm | ASL 3 In Person at CHS (2017 N. Mendell St., 3rd floor, Chicago, IL 60614 | In Person | 6-7:45pm | Register |
| Wednesdays, 12-1:30pm CST | ASL 1 Online | Online | 12-1:30pm | Register |
| Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm CST | ASL 2 Online | Online | 6-7:30pm | Register |
| Thursdays, 6-7:30pm CST | ASL 1 Online | Online | 6-7:30pm | Register |
The online classes meet for 1 ½ hours per class, and the in-person classes meet for 1 hour and 45 minutes per class. Classes meet weekly for 6 weeks for a total of 6 sessions. We do not have class on federal holidays.
Who teaches your classes?Deaf instructors teach all of our ASL classes. Their lived experiences as Deaf people using ASL daily is a valued part of the learning process.
Are your classes recorded?We do not record any of our classes. However, we will share our materials and links to videos to reinforce learning and for practice outside of class.
What curriculum do you use?We have developed our curriculum using guidance and materials based on Master ASL! by Jason E. Zinza.
Do you provide credit for your classes? No. All CHS sign language classes are NON-CREDIT. We can provide a certificate of attendance upon completion upon request.
What is the cost for each class?A full six-week session is $120 per person (Level I, II, and III). The Youth class is $50 per person for all 6 weeks.
What is your cancellation/refund policy?Any request for a refund must be made in writing PRIOR to the start of the second class to Karla Giese at KGiese@anixter.org.’
What does each level focus on?Levels are designed to scaffold. All levels incorporate practice using fingerspelling and numbers as well as Deaf Culture Awareness. In addition, we strive to provide a good balance of receptive and expressive sign language skills.
Level I includes introductory conversational skills including asking questions, key phrases, and sharing information about yourself. Facial expressions, gestures, and ASL parameters are emphasized as an integral part of ASL grammar.
Level II includes more vocabulary related to daily living and routines, including talking about family, friends, school, and sports. In addition, more in-depth ASL grammatical features, such as listing, shoulder shifting, time/tense, and pronouns are introduced and practiced.
Level III includes more vocabulary, including an in-depth focus on classifiers, and using those classifiers to describe people, places, and routines within the home and community.
Youth classes are geared toward elementary and middle school students who want to learn sign language. This curriculum was developed using the SKIHI Deaf Mentor curriculum as a guide, with a focus on a specific weekly theme and a corresponding ASL grammar structure. For example, one week may focus on likes/dislikes and food. Students will learn how to state their likes/dislikes and ask questions of others while learning food vocabulary.
For more information or questions, email Karla at: CHSLearn@anixter.org. Please sign up below for our newsletter to receive information about our classes!