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Our Mission

 

To build community by delivering accessible and effective ASL courses to hearing and hard of hearing adults in the Boston area and beyond

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Our classes provide a focus on language skills such as comprehension and production of ASL; however we also recognize the importance of Deaf history and culture when acquiring ASL. In an effort to provide culturally appropriate ASL knowledge to a primarily hearing classroom, supplemental lessons and readings will be provided and discussed regarding significant events in Deaf history and culturally appropriate behavior.

 

With these ASL courses, AES World Languages & Cultures Institute aims to bridge the language and cultural gap between the hearing, Deaf, and Hard of Hearing communities across the country

Why it Matters To Learn Sign

We feel passionately that everyone should have the ability to learn sign with respect to the Deaf community & Deaf culture.

 

 

The Deaf community has historically been marginalized and even barred from using their language - American Sign Language. 

 

  • ​(1880) Second International Congress on the Education of the Deaf: sign language was banned from usage in schools due to push of 'oralistic' approaches (forcing all Deaf individuals to only use spoken language)

  • (1970s) Sign Language is reinstated back in U.S. Schools

  • People who can learn sign: anyone.

  • People who should learn sign: everyone. 

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Sign Language is a culturally rich language that allows communities of different hearing needs to come together. Whatever your reason for learning sign, we are happy to have you!

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  • We are a non college credit program. Every student has their own reason or motivation to learn. Every student can have a different reason. Each student's reason for learning is important to us, and we are dedicated to creating and environment where we can support each student in their learning journey.

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