Submitted By: Amy Turner
Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) will offer weekly American Sign Language (ASL) classes in four locations and online starting January 4, 2023.
In-person classes will be held Tuesdays at 6 PM at the Goodwill Community Resource Center 11601 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Wednesdays at 2:30 PM at the Goodwill Community Resource Center 5100 Tice St. Fort Myers, 33905, Wednesdays at 6 PM at the Lehigh Acres Community Center Building 201 Plaza Dr. Suite 103, Lehigh Acres, FL 33936, and Thursdays at 2:30 PM and 6 PM at the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center located at 1860 Boy Scout Drive B208, Fort Myers 33907.
Online classes through Zoom technology are offered on Wednesdays at 2 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM.
Classes are $75 for the five-week course, with discounts for the hard of hearing and immediate family members of a deaf person. Classes for the deaf are free. Each course is taught in a fun and engaging way by qualified instructors. Students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. The beginner’s course is one of five levels of ASL taught at DHHC. Additional courses are available for more advanced signers.
An ASL Family Class is offered free to families with deaf or hard of hearing children on Tuesdays from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Siblings and other family members are encouraged to attend the weekly classes designed for parents and family members to learn basic ASL and Deaf Culture to communicate on a deeper level with their child.
“We are so grateful to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, which has allowed us to expand our ASL program by collaborating with other United Way partner agencies,” said Amy Turner, executive director of the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center. “ASL is key for communicating with deaf or hard of hearing individuals. And it also gives your brain a workout, introduces you to a new culture and community, and gives you a new way to meet people and make new friends!”
Individuals can register at www.dhhc.life or by calling (239) 461-0334, ext. 6.
DHHC uses “Signing Naturally” curriculum, which is designed to aid in communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community and educate those who may be losing their hearing.
ABOUT SALLY J. PIMENTEL DEAF & HARD OF HEARING CENTER
DHHC is a 501(c)3, a proud United Way partner agency, and is partially funded by Lee County Board of Commissioners, City of Cape Coral, United Way, The Community Foundation, Rotary Club of Fort Myers, and other private donors.
Founded in 1983, the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center provides programs and services for the deaf and hard of hearing and their families in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades counties. DHHC offers interpreting services, free telephone equipment loans, Deaf mentor program, American Sign Language classes, information and referral services, employment assistance, family education, advocacy, community outreach and education, and adaptive equipment sales.
The mission of the Sally J. Pimentel Deaf & Hard of Hearing Center (DHHC) is to empower Southwest Florida’s Deaf and hard of hearing citizens and their families through education, advocacy, and community involvement.
For more information, visit www.dhhc.life, email amyturner@dhhc.life, or call (239) 461-0334 voice phone or (239) 247-5821 video phone.
