Total Communication Sign Language Classes

The Willie Ross School for the Deaf offers Total Communication Sign Language classes as a service of its Outreach Division. The program is intended to facilitate communication among hearing, hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals.

Classes are offered in 14-week increments in the spring and fall and meet on Tuesday evenings at the Willie Ross main campus in Longmeadow.

Course Descriptions

Beginner, Advanced Beginner and Intermediate levels will be presented using total communication, which is a simultaneous voice and sign message.

Beginner Class

For students who have no previous experience in sign language or fingerspelling. Students will learn to combine words to form simple sentences.

Advanced Beginner Class

For students who have some knowledge of sign language and have learned how to fingerspell. Students will increase vocabulary, develop manual fluency, speed and accuracy, and conduct brief conversations using everyday expressions.

Intermediate Class

For students who possess a strong basic sign language vocabulary and fluency in expressive and receptive communication. Emphasis will be on development of vocabulary and conversation.

Advanced Conversation

The emphasis of the class is on conversational skills. Review and use of vocabulary presented in Beginner through Intermediate classes will take place in the context of conversation. Non-manual behaviors (such as eye gaze, facial expressions and body position), idioms and expressions from American Sign Language will be incorporated into conceptually correct English word order.

Final determination of placement will be made by the school. In case of class changes, please see the Head Teacher or Coordinator to request assistance.

How to Register

 Registration Form 

1. By mail
2. In person at the Longmeadow Campus, Cooley Administration Building, open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
3. At the school building, Founders' Classroom Building, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. the evening of the first class of each term.

Registration is closed after the second week of classes

Textbook

Signing, How to Speak with your Hands, Revised edition
By: Elaine Costello
Price: $19.00

Books may be purchased at registration or at any time in the Cooley Administration Building, open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PARTICIPANTS MUST BE 16 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.

We do not offer child care.

Refunds must be requested in writing within five days of the last class attended.

• After one class: 80% refund
• After two classes: 50% refund
• No refunds after three classes
• Courses cancelled by the school: 100% refund

Certificates will be issued based upon three or fewer absences.