ASL Institute LLC

Students can start learning and continue all the way to full fluency with evening or Saturday classes. We have Summer Institutes - week-long sessions of up to 30 hours - that draw students from all over the country and internationally.

I enjoy watching students grow and feel the pride of accomplishment. I am committed to our purpose of bring Deaf and Hearing people together, breaking down communication barriers. I am excited when I see the impact learning ASL has both on students and those they interact with. I am proud of our former students and graduates who have contributed to the well-being of so many people by putting their learning into action.

A former student went to work for the National Association of the Deaf legal dept. Another formed a non-profit in South Africa - Hear Now South Africa (HNSA). Others have put their knowledge to use in their workplace in social service agencies, medical offices, and in everyday life.

In teaching age 3 up through adult education, I have a varied and broad experience. From beginner to advance/near fluent, I enjoy the challenge of that range of learning. I designed the curriculum I use, which is also used at two colleges in R.I. ASL Academy has classes here and I direct the program, but I have also taught classes, courses and Institutes in other places around the country and beyond - Seattle, CT, central Vietnam to name a few.

I learned my first sign in 1984 when Linda and I accepted a Deaf foster son. It changed our lives. He was with us for a year, but will stay in our hearts forever. I went on to become an interpreter and teacher. I interpreted for a U.S. president, senators, foreign dignitaries and in countless other situations from here to the other side of the world. In 2001, I started teaching at college level and developed the ASL program that is now a minor at Roger Williams University. I am currently developing a program at another college while I continue to conduct the program at R.W.U.