Local resident, Linda Bowling, and her classmates are very passionate about extending an invitation to the community to learn American Sign Language (ASL) and about the deaf culture. “It is free,” she said. “The knowledge we are gaining from the class is helping us to close the gap between the hearing and non-hearing cultures. To see a hearing impaired person’s expression of happiness when a hearing person communicates with them is rewarding.”
American Sign Language classes are being offered at the Appomattox Regional Library in Hopewell. Class instruction ranges from beginners to intermediate levels and is being taught by Darrell Avery, a graduate of Galluadet University in Deaf Education. Galluadet University, located in Washington, D.C., was the first university in America to offer programs specifically designed for deaf and hard of hearing students. The classes will also be co-taught by Connie Pierett, a hearing specialist and teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing for Hopewell Public Schools.
The free classes will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. beginning January 12 and run through March 17.
Appomattox Regional Library is located at 209 E. Cawson St., Hopewell. For more information visit www.arls.org or call 804-458-6320.
