How many times do we encounter hearing-impaired people and wish that we could communicate with them? As we age, we gradually lose some of our hearing. Sign language can help. Also, mothers of pre-lingual children can use sign language as a tool with their little ones. Here is your opportunity to learn basic sign language that could help you communicate with someone you care about.

Basic Sign Language will cover beginning sign language, the alphabet, conversational phrases, and a variety of commonly used signs. In addition, basic facts essential to the correct use of the language will be addressed. A dedicated student could learn as many as 800 signs and understand signing and interpreting rules, basic deaf culture, and medical situations that cause deafness and loss of hearing.

Do you already know some signs but want to learn more to take your knowledge to the next level? Intermediate Sign Language will be a continuation of the introduction of signs (cities, states, countries, holidays, household items, religious terms, etc.), going further with using sign language in conversation, as well as, slang, and a discussion on political correctness as it pertains to signing and the deaf culture.

Basic Sign Language, taught by Sheri Greene, will be held on Tuesdays, April 9 – May 21, 2024 (no class on April 16), from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Education Council’s Coudersport office at 5 Water Street and virtually at the Community Education Center of Elk and Cameron Counties at 4 Erie Avenue in St. Marys. The cost of this 6-week course is $160/person.

Intermediate Sign Language will be held on Mondays, April 8 – May 20, 2024 (no class on April 15) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The cost for this 6-week course is $160/person. The registration deadline is Monday, April 1^st. To register or for more information, visit www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.