Complete Guide to ASL Classes in NYC: Learn American Sign Language

Complete Guide to ASL Classes in NYC: Learn American Sign Language

by Serena Clark

New York City is full of opportunities to learn American Sign Language (ASL). Whether you're just starting or want to improve, there's something for everyone. ASL is more than just gestures; it's a rich language with deep cultural roots. NYC’s diverse Deaf and hard of hearing community makes it a perfect place to learn. From free library workshops to college-level courses, options are everywhere. You can join casual meetups, take structured classes, or even learn online.

1. Sign Language Center

  • Website: signlanguagecenter.com
  • Phone: +1 (212) 614-8177
  • Address: 39 E 30th St, New York, NY 10016
  • Course Pricing:
    • Beginner courses: $300–$350 for 6–8 weeks.
    • Private lessons: $95/hour (discounts available for bulk bookings).
    • Online group courses: $250–$300.
  • Teaching Style: Small group classes with immersive, interactive teaching.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced learners.
    • Focus on Deaf culture alongside language learning.
    • Flexible scheduling for private and corporate lessons.

2. ASL NYC

  • Website: aslnyc.com
  • Phone: +1 (917) 744-0855
  • Address: 153 W 27th St, Suite 605, New York, NY 10001
  • Course Pricing:
    • Group classes: $280–$300 for 6 weeks.
    • Private lessons: $80–$125/hour (custom packages available).
  • Teaching Style: Casual and practical, focusing on everyday communication.
  • Other Info:
    • Classes capped at 8 students for personalized attention.
    • Offers corporate training and workshops.
    • Online and hybrid courses available.

3. NYC Continuing Education Programs

  • Website: schools.nyc.gov
  • Phone: Varies by program.
  • Address: Locations across NYC boroughs.
  • Course Pricing:
    • Many courses are free or low-cost ($50–$100).
  • Teaching Style: Community-based education.
  • Other Info:
    • Basic ASL courses aimed at beginners.
    • Focus on practical and conversational ASL.
    • Check their website for updated schedules and registration.

4. The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC)

  • Website: tlcdeaf.org
  • Phone: +1 (617) 969-6200
  • Address: 620 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458 (online options for NYC students).
  • Course Pricing: $250–$400 for online courses.
  • Teaching Style: Immersive learning with Deaf instructors.
  • Other Info:
    • Focus on cultural integration and fluency.
    • Offers beginner to advanced classes.
    • Great for students who prefer structured online learning.

5. New York City ASL Meetup Group

  • Website: meetup.com/ASLNYC
  • Phone: No phone available (contact via Meetup platform).
  • Location: Various locations (cafes, parks, libraries).
  • Course Pricing: Free or small fees ($10–$20 per session).
  • Teaching Style: Informal and conversational, peer-led.
  • Other Info:
    • Suitable for all skill levels.
    • Emphasizes social interaction and real-life practice.
    • Great for budget-conscious learners.

6. Bronx Community College (ASL Program)

  • Website: bcc.cuny.edu
  • Phone: +1 (718) 289-5100
  • Address: 2155 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10453
  • Course Pricing: $300–$600 per semester (credit courses).
  • Teaching Style: Academic-focused with structured lessons.
  • Other Info:
    • Provides foundational ASL courses with the option to expand to advanced levels.
    • Ideal for students planning to earn college credit.

7. Columbia University (American Sign Language Series)

  • Website: columbia.edu
  • Phone: +1 (212) 854-1754
  • Address: 116th St & Broadway, New York, NY 10027
  • Course Pricing: $1,500+ per semester (credit courses).
  • Teaching Style: Academic and research-oriented.
  • Other Info:
    • Advanced-level courses for linguists or professionals.
    • Offers cultural context and historical significance of ASL.

8. Brooklyn Brainery

  • Website: brooklynbrainery.com
  • Phone: +1 (347) 292-7246
  • Address: 190 Underhill Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
  • Course Pricing: $40–$100 for short-term workshops.
  • Teaching Style: Fun and beginner-friendly.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers casual, one-time ASL workshops.
    • Great for people looking for a low-commitment introduction to ASL.

9. New York Society for the Deaf (NYSD)

  • Website: nysd.org
  • Phone: +1 (212) 777-3900
  • Address: 315 Hudson St, New York, NY 10013
  • Course Pricing: Contact for details.
  • Teaching Style: Focus on accessibility and Deaf culture.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers community support along with ASL training.
    • Great for individuals looking to connect with the Deaf community.

10. New York Public Library (NYPL)

  • Website: nypl.org
  • Phone: +1 (917) 275-6975
  • Address: Varies by branch.
  • Course Pricing: Free.
  • Teaching Style: Community-based and beginner-friendly.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers occasional ASL courses, workshops, and cultural events.
    • Perfect for budget-conscious learners.

11. LaGuardia Community College (ASL-English Program)

  • Website: laguardia.edu
  • Phone: +1 (718) 482-7200
  • Address: 31-10 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
  • Course Pricing: $300–$600 per semester.
  • Teaching Style: Structured academic courses.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers both non-credit and credit courses.
    • Good for students who prefer a formal education setting.

12. Hunter College (Continuing Education ASL Program)

  • Website: hunter.cuny.edu
  • Phone: +1 (212) 772-4000
  • Address: 695 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065
  • Course Pricing: $350–$500 for non-credit courses.
  • Teaching Style: Flexible and practical.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers evening and weekend classes.
    • Great for working professionals.

13. Deaf New York City Meetup Groups

  • Website: meetup.com
  • Phone: N/A.
  • Location: Various locations across NYC.
  • Course Pricing: Free or small donations.
  • Teaching Style: Peer learning in casual settings.
  • Other Info:
    • Emphasizes community and real-world practice.
    • Great for networking with other ASL enthusiasts.

14. Deaf New York (DeafNY)

  • Website: deafny.com
  • Phone: N/A (contact via website).
  • Address: Varies (events and classes happen in multiple locations across NYC).
  • Course Pricing:
    • Free workshops and events.
    • Group classes starting at $15 per session.
  • Teaching Style: Immersive with a focus on Deaf culture.
  • Other Info:
    • Hosts social events, workshops, and ASL courses.
    • Great for beginners looking to connect with the Deaf community.

15. Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC)

  • Website: hilc.org
  • Phone: +1 (212) 222-7122
  • Address: 289 St. Nicholas Ave, Suite 21, New York, NY 10027
  • Course Pricing: Free or low-cost.
  • Teaching Style: Community-focused and accessible.
  • Other Info:
    • Targets individuals with disabilities and their families.
    • Offers basic ASL courses and workshops.
    • Strong focus on accessibility and inclusion.

16. Manhattan School for Career Development (MSCD)

  • Website: N/A (contact via NYC Department of Education).
  • Phone: +1 (212) 585-1400
  • Address: 113 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003
  • Course Pricing: Free for registered students (part of public education).
  • Teaching Style: Structured learning with a focus on young adults.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers ASL courses for students with special needs.
    • Focuses on practical communication skills.

17. St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf

  • Website: sjsdny.org
  • Phone: +1 (718) 828-9000
  • Address: 1000 Hutchinson River Pkwy, Bronx, NY 10465
  • Course Pricing: Contact for details.
  • Teaching Style: Specialized instruction for children and adults.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers ASL and Deaf culture education.
    • Focus on family-oriented learning.

18. ASL Slam

  • Website: aslslam.com
  • Phone: N/A (contact via website).
  • Address: Events are held at various venues across NYC.
  • Course Pricing: Tickets for events: $10–$20.
  • Teaching Style: Creative and performance-based.
  • Other Info:
    • Combines ASL with poetry, storytelling, and performance art.
    • Great for advanced learners and those interested in Deaf culture.

19. Queensborough Community College (QCC)

  • Website: qcc.cuny.edu
  • Phone: +1 (718) 631-6262
  • Address: 222-05 56th Ave, Bayside, NY 11364
  • Course Pricing: $300–$600 per semester.
  • Teaching Style: Academic and structured.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers introductory ASL courses for credit.
    • Focus on grammar, structure, and Deaf culture.

20. Deaf Professional Happy Hour (DPHH NYC)

  • Website: dphh.org
  • Phone: N/A (contact via website).
  • Address: Events hosted at various bars and restaurants in NYC.
  • Course Pricing: Free to attend (pay for your own food/drinks).
  • Teaching Style: Informal and conversation-based.
  • Other Info:
    • Regular networking events for Deaf professionals and ASL learners.
    • Great for practicing ASL in a social setting.

21. Fordham University - American Sign Language Courses

  • Website: fordham.edu
  • Phone: +1 (718) 817-1000
  • Address: 441 E Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY 10458
  • Course Pricing: $1,000+ per semester (credit courses).
  • Teaching Style: Academic and research-focused.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers ASL as part of its linguistics and language programs.
    • Ideal for students pursuing careers in education, linguistics, or interpreting.

22. New York University (NYU) - ASL Program

  • Website: nyu.edu
  • Phone: +1 (212) 998-1212
  • Address: 70 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
  • Course Pricing: $1,500+ per semester (credit courses).
  • Teaching Style: Academic, with an emphasis on Deaf culture.
  • Other Info:
    • Offers ASL courses as part of its language and linguistics programs.
    • Great for students seeking a professional-level understanding of ASL.

23. ASL Deafined (Online Platform)

  • Website: asldeafined.com
  • Phone: +1 (833) 275-3323
  • Address: Online platform (accessible in NYC and beyond).
  • Course Pricing: $36/year subscription.
  • Teaching Style: Self-paced online learning.
  • Other Info:
    • Over 15,000 vocabulary words with video examples.
    • Suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced.

24. The Children’s Hearing Institute

  • Website: childrenshearing.org
  • Phone: +1 (646) 438-7806
  • Address: 380 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10010
  • Course Pricing: Contact for details.
  • Teaching Style: Family-centered.
  • Other Info:
    • Focus on teaching ASL to parents and families of Deaf children.
    • Offers workshops and resources about hearing loss and communication.

25. Sorenson VRS Training Centers

  • Website: sorenson.com
  • Phone: +1 (801) 287-9400
  • Address: Multiple locations in NYC.
  • Course Pricing: Free workshops.
  • Teaching Style: Technology-assisted ASL learning.
  • Other Info:
    • Focus on teaching ASL for video relay services and technology use.
    • Great for professionals working with Deaf clients.

 

Learning ASL connects you to a broader world. It helps bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf communities. Many classes focus on practical skills for everyday use. Others dive into Deaf culture and history, giving learners a deeper understanding. Whether you prefer a small group or one-on-one lessons, NYC has it all. You’ll also find events like ASL poetry slams and Deaf social gatherings. These are great ways to practice what you’ve learned.

No matter your goals, NYC offers the resources to help you succeed. Learning ASL opens doors to communication and inclusion. It’s not just about language; it’s about connection.

by Serena Clark
Learning ASL

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