American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is the language used by Deaf people in the United States and Canada. ASL is a visual language with its own unique rules of grammar and syntax, different than English.  It is estimated that 500,000 people use ASL in the US and it has grown in popularity becoming  the 3rd most commonly studied language.  ASL is part of a rich culture within the Deaf community and is used to share history, humor, visual arts and more.

Please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Introductory American Sign Language I

Introductory ASL will focus on everyday communication including topics like family, relationships, activities, work, mealtime, feelings, animals, home life and more.  We will explore how ASL is not merely “English words on our hands” as well as how important the correct use of facial expressions are and how to use the space around you in storytelling.

Sessions – Winter 2023

Introductory ASL I will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45-4:45pm from January 18 – March 8 at our institute. Class will not meet from 2/6-2/15. If you have any questions, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help.

American Sign Language II

In ASL II we will continue to strengthen our conversation skills learned in our introductory course. We will practice conversing about family and friends, clothing, food, school/work, daily routines and getting around town. The goal of this course is to hold basic conversations about everyday experiences.

Sessions – Winter 2023

ASL II will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:45-6pm from January 18 – March 8 at our institute. Class will not meet from 2/6-2/15. If you have any questions, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help.

ASL for Kids

ASL for Kids will help your children learn the basics of American Sign Language in an interactive and fun environment. Kids will learn how to communicate about family, animals, activities, feelings and more. We will develop our language skills through games and storytelling. This class is designed for students ages 8-12 with limited exposure to ASL.

Sessions – Winter 2023

We are currently organizing small, private groups for ASL for Kids. If you are interested in forming a group or joining a group, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help you get started.

Baby Signs for Families

Learn basic ASL signs with your baby!  Signing gives you and your baby tools to communicate basic needs, feelings and more. When babies are able to communicate, they experience less frustration.  Signing encourages language development and if continued can help foster bilingualism. Some of the topics we will learn about are feelings, family members, playtime, and food. This course is designed for parents and children ages 6 months to 2 years.

Sessions – Winter 2023

We are offering small private groups this winter as part of our Baby Signs for Families class. If you have a group of families that would like to learn together,  please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help!

Current American Sign Language Courses, Tutoring and Events

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Meg Rozek

American Sign Language Instructor

Meg Rozek
Meg RozekInstructor —ASL
Hello! I fell in love with ASL in high school when I took a class at the community college, it just felt natural to my hands and eyes. My interpreter training program placed me as a volunteer at the Washington State School for the Deaf. I immediately knew that I was meant to work at the school and convinced them to hire me as a 22 year old. Most recently here in Bend, I spent 10 years teaching ASL to grades 6-12 at a local charter school. I enjoy meeting up with other ASL users in our small but growing community. I am a certified doula and I hope to serve members of the Deaf community as their doula.

Quick Apply: Leave your email and we’ll help you get started.

Become Part of the BLI Experience