Deaf Services of Palo Alto (DSPA)
We offer classes in multiple sign languages from many different countries to foster an inclusive community.
Deaf Services of Palo Alto (DSPA)
We offer classes in multiple sign languages from many different countries to foster an inclusive community.
Welcome to American Sign Language (ASL) @ DSPA!
Questions about registration should be directed to Hillary Smith: sl@dspa.org
ASL Summer Blast is for students who have previously taken an ASL course with DSPA to take a refresher session of the level they have most recently completed.
If you have not yet taken an ASL course, you will have the opportunity to do so in Q4 2024.
IMPORTANT: All summer courses will utilize TRUE+WAY ASL curriculum. This is part of DSPA’s ongoing pilot program aiming to standardize our course content. Please see individual course descriptions for an outline of the content to be reviewed in each level. Thank you for your patience and grace as our program undergoes this significant transition.
Note: The TWA curriculum has a $60.00 (non-refundable) fee associated with it; you will be provided with a link to register and pay. You can then use your receipt to expense this cost on Concur. (Virtual students: If you have already taken a class using this curriculum, you will still need to register and pay for access, as this will be a new course shell for summer).
Registration Step-by-Step:
Select your class and click + or REGISTER
Create a profile for yourself or log-in with your Google account.
[READ ME] Making Payment
Please select the $0 upfront installment plan, and do not pay in full.
This means you will pay $0 upfront to secure your spot, and the total cost of the class will be charged to your account approximately 48 hours prior to the start of class.
For billing purposes, input your name, billing address, email, and business phone number.
Answer the additional questions and agree to the cancellation policy.
Pay via credit card or e-check. Your email confirmation is your receipt.
Note that course fees are 100% reimburseable for FTEs. For more details, see go/signlanguage.
Waitlist
When classes of your interest are full, please be sure to wait-list yourself.
The waiting list is in place for two purposes:
Learning a new language is fun, but it is also a commitment - please choose a day and time that you can commit to attending for most of the meetings. Each session builds on the last, and learning cannot take place if classes are only attended occasionally.
CLASS POLICIES
Recording of Virtual Classes:
Google permits the recording of virtual DSPA Sign Language classes, but the final discretion rests with the instructor. Recordings are only allowed in exceptional cases such as when you are unable to attend the live class or for review purposes. Please note that in-person classes can only be accessed by physically attending the class. Regular attendance at live classes is crucial for maximum benefit from having a D/d and or HoH instructor. The use of recorded classes should not be seen as a substitute for live attendance, and we highly encourage maintaining an attendance rate of 80% or higher.
On-site Classes
We do not offer any hybrid courses. On-site classes only happen on-site, and cannot be held on GVC simultaneously. If you miss a class, the best approach is to ask a peer to help you catch up.
Class Schedule
Please keep in mind that the class that you register for is the class that you may attend. We are not able to accommodate transfers to other class times, whether temporary or permanent. Additionally, if you are taking an on-site class, you are not able to join a virtual class to catch up. If you miss a class, the best approach is to ask a peer to help you catch up.
Important FAQs:
How much does the class cost?
Check the individual class listing for cost. In general:
The cost of the class is not pro-rated based on your attendance. Once you register for a class and the cancellation deadline passes, refunds will not be issued.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you must cancel, a minimum of 48 hours notice (excluding weekends and holidays) before the class is scheduled to start is required to avoid charges. If you cancel with less than 48 hours notice, you will be charged for the class.
The cost of the class is not pro-rated based on attendance; once you register for a class and the cancellation deadline passes, refunds will not be issued. It is your responsibility to cancel your enrollment prior to the cancellation deadline to avoid charges.
Instructors reserve the right to reschedule individual classes as needed.