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Sign Language 1

Do you wish you knew how to communicate through sign language? This course will give you basic knowledge and understanding to communicate with the Deaf community. Practice the fundamentals of conversation including receptive skills and body language.

Key Program Information

Learn sign language and basic ASL communication

Did you know sign language is the third most widely used non-English language in the U.S.? Whether you have little or no experience in sign language, knowing the basics can be an invaluable skill. This program is a great place to start. You will learn the fundamentals of conversation, letters of the alphabet, and gain insight into Deaf Culture and hard of hearing community.

What you will learn:

  • Manual alphabet
  • Fundamental conversation
  • Basic elements of American Sign Language
  • Receptive skills (watching and understanding sign)
  • Facial expression and body language
  • Introduction to Deaf Culture
Resource Materials

We highly recommend acquiring the book Talking with your Hands, Listening with your Eyes by Gabriel Grayson (available on Amazon) to assist with your Sign Language learning.

Instructor Rachel Kohn using sign language to communicate to a friend

Who should attend

This class is designed for anyone interested in learning to communicate through sign including parents, teachers, health and human service professionals and others working directly with the public. Enrollment is open only to those 18 and over.

Instructors

  • Rachel Kohn is a retired sign language interpreter who worked in the Eau Claire Area School District for 34 years. She continues to do community interpreting and has 30 years of teaching sign language classes. 

    "Rachel does an excellent job of creating a fun, creative, inclusive community in class." -Past Participant

CEU Information

Participants will earn 1.2 Continuing Education Units ( 12 Contact Hours) upon completion of this program.

Disability Accommodations

UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education encourages individuals with disabilities or other special needs to participate in our programs whenever possible. If you require a reasonable accommodation, please notify us at least two weeks in advance of the program so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Contact Continuing Education at 715-836-3636 / toll-free 866-893-2423, or use the Wisconsin Relay System (711). All requests are kept confidential.

An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.

Cancellation Policy

We understand life happens. Should you need to cancel your registration, you may substitute someone to take your place, at any time, at no cost to you. If we cancel a program, we’ll give you your money back.

If your program is 14 or more days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program – no charge!
If you have to cancel, you will receive a refund, minus a 20% administrative fee.

If your program is less than 14 days away:
You may transfer once to any currently available program, plus a 20% transfer fee.
If you cancel, you will not receive a refund.

If you are registered and do not attend the program, you are responsible for the full fee.

Substitution, refund or transfer requests must be submitted via email or phone call to UW-Eau Claire Continuing Education.

There are currently no upcoming dates for this program. To make sure you are notified when dates are scheduled, please join our mailing list.

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