When Stephenie Woodall graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997, she already had years under her belt using American Sign Language (ASL). She had started learning sign language in elementary school as a means to communicate with her deaf classmates and, by the time she was in high school, she was already interpreting for friends and families.  Being able to provide a channel of communication in which two languages are equal launched her into a 23-year long career as a sign language interpreter with 15 years in higher education.

 

While families are home together during the pandemic, Woodall noticed that many options were popping up online for free or inexpensive classes that could be used to supplement schoolwork or simply to boost morale. Using her interpreter skillset, she created a free online class to teach the basics of American Sign Language.  

 

The class is taught through Facebook Live each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10:00a.m. and is open to any age. The fun and educational class teaches basics of sign language to help improve communication with the deaf community. Woodall’s Facebook group is called ASL Basics and interested parties can join at any time.  New material, as well as reviews, will be offered each class, so families and individuals can participate regularly or drop in for classes any time they wish.  The classes will take place throughout the duration of school closings.

 

The link below should take you to the classes.