The Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) is pleased to announce that we will be offering American Sign Language (ASL) instruction for beginners at the BEST Learning Center in University Place, Washington . Â In this dynamic eight week course for adults, participants will be introduced to ASL with a focus on vocabulary and its unique grammar principles. The instructor will teach the importance of visual awareness, necessary to develop receptive and expressive skills. An emphasis will be placed on developing effective communication skills in activities of daily living. In addition, a brief overview of the deaf community and the history of its language will be covered.
This course will be held weekly at the BEST Learning Center on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning April 8 and concluding May 27. The course fee is $49 which includes a book and other materials.
This course is open to the general public and all are welcome.
To register or to learn more, please contact BEST by phone at 877-719-2378 or send us an email at admin@brainenergysupportteam.org.
About the instructor:
Maggie DePuye-Phillips, has a B.A. in Deafness Rehabilitation and an M.A. in Deafness Rehabilitation Counseling from Northern Illinois University. She served as a faculty member in ASL instruction teaching undergraduate and graduate students at levels one, two and three at Northern Illinois University. DePuye-Phillips also served as a counselor for the Program for Impaired and a coordinator for the Center of Access-Ability Resources, also at the university.
In her other roles, DePuye-Phillips serves as the Vice President of the Board at the Brain Energy Support Team (BEST) and is a primary family caregiver. She’s also a guest blogger for the BEST Blog, providing in-depth coverage of caregiver resources, tips and strategies.