Project Description

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 – Spring 2022

This 8-week course will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11am April 4 – May 25. We will at our institute (416 NE Greenwood Ave) and can meet at our outdoor classroom when the weather is nice. The class will be limited to 9 students to allow for ample opportunity for one-on-one language practice.

If you have any questions, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help!

Add this class to your calendar

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 with limited exposure to ASL. It is designed for youth ages 5-11 and will be limited to 10 students.

Sessions – Summer 2022

ASL for Kids will meet from July 11 – August 29 on Mondays from 12:30-1:30pm at our institute. Due to limited space, please register at least one week in advance.

If you have any questions, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help!

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 – Summer 2022

Baby Signs for Families will meet from July 13 – August 31 on Wednesdays from 12:30-1:30pm at our institute. Due to limited space, please register at least one week in advance.

If you have any questions, please email bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or call us at 541-728-3022 and we would be happy to help!

Private Tutor

Don’t let the current climate limit your language learning progress! Given concerns around COVID-19, our teachers are happy to meet with you digitally for one-on-one instruction. Over your phone or computer, you can speak face-to-face while sharing files, video clips, short stories, written exercises and more. Meeting with a teacher is a great way to improve your language skills through interactive conversations and exercises.

Our language tutoring rate is $46 dollars per hour, and when you purchase your time in advance you can reduce that rate down to just $42 per hour. With individual tutoring, you can work with your teacher to find a time that works for both of you. We also offer semi-private tutoring for 2-4 youth and/or adults at an affordable price, so you can have fun learning with your friends.  You can see more information about this by scrolling down to the bottom of the page.

If you are new to Bend Language Institute, send us an email at bendlanguageinstitute@gmail.com or give us a call at 541-728-3022 and we will be happy to put you in touch with a local teacher. You will have the opportunity to speak with a teacher about your language learning needs and get set up to learn a language from the comfort of your own home.

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.

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