American Sign Language

Have you watched someone use sign language and wished you could understand? American Sign Language, or ASL as it is commonly known, is a complete language using signs, hand shapes and facial expressions.

The ASL program is designed for people interested in learning sign language, professionals in contact with the deaf community in their jobs, and friends and family members of a deaf person.

Learn a comprehensive understanding of ASL from the alphabet to basic words and concepts, recognizing facial expressions all the way to describing objects and full conversations. 

The Vista Program

The Vista Signing Naturally approach offers a standardized curriculum to learning ASL. Created and developed at Vista Community College in Berkley, California, it not only teaches signs, but also grammar and deaf culture. The Vista approach stresses natural communication.

The Vista program was conceived and developed by three native signers of ASL, two of whom are deaf and one hearing. They used the following three premises when creating Vista. Languages are learned best when presented in context. Language is retained best when activities are meaningful and/or related to experiences. Comprehensive skills are developed more quickly than expressive skills.

Older methods of teaching sign language used Manually Coded English (MCE). This system substitutes words for signs in English word orders. MCE was used in schools with deaf children to reinforce their English skills, but this is changing in Manitoba and elsewhere. The Vista method has been field-tested over the last few years by ten colleges and elsewhere. Compared to other sign programs, Vista was found to be easier, more enjoyable and more practical. Vista allows students to learn ASL more gradually and comfortably, and has improved the overall quality of instruction.

The Signing Naturally approach to acquiring ASL allows people, with no knowledge of sign language, to communicate comfortably in a variety of situations with the Deaf. As well as classroom instruction, Vista offers input via video, text and workbook. Because of the interactive nature of instruction, enrollment is limited. Classroom instruction is supplemented by the accompanying videotape and workbook, which allow students to review, practice and retain what is learned.