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Lifeprint.com: "ASL University"
ASL University
ASLU is an online American Sign Language curriculum resource center. ASLU provides many free self-study materials, lessons, and information as well as formal tuition-based courses.
Background
ASLU has been offering online sign language instruction since 1997. The program began as an effort to support parents of Deaf children living in rural or "outlying" areas without access to sign language classes.
You are welcome to self-study from the various publicly available Lifeprint.com lessons for free.
We also have paid options for those who want tracking and documentation.
Founder
ASLU was founded by Dr. William G. Vicars, Ed.D. (Also widely known as "Dr. Bill"). He earned an accredited doctorate in Deaf Studies / Deaf Education from Lamar University in Texas and taught for nearly three decades including many years as a full-time Professor of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies at California State University - Sacramento. ("ASL University" is not affiliated with the California State University system.) Dr. Bill was born hard of hearing and became Deaf as he got older. He is married to Bee Vicars, MFA, Deaf.
Location:
ASL University is an "online" school and consultancy -- thus we are "located" in the cloud. However, if you want to take us out to lunch or something, Dr. Bill and Bee (as of this writing) live in Sacramento, California, (US). Dr. Bill and other members of the ASLU instructional team are sometimes available to provide workshops and seminars (world-wide) for schools, businesses, and organizations. Correspondence may be directed to: [Contact info]
On a personal note:
Hello ASL Heroes!!!
Welcome to ASLU! I'm Dr. Bill. (Also known in some circles as "Indiana Bill" or "Professor V"). When not out having adventures I disguise myself as a mild mannered college professor at Sacramento State University in California. (*Update: I taught at Sac State for close to two decades and was program coordinator of the ASL and Deaf Studies program for a number of years -- now I'm an "emeritus professor" which is normally fancyspeak for retired but in my case I'm not retired -- just out having fun and saving the world in ways disguised to look like I'm doing consulting work). (Click here for info regarding my qualifications.)
I developed ASL University (hosted at Lifeprint.com) as a tool teach my college classes -- so I use the ASLU lessons and materials constantly. Making these resources available to the public has been a lot of fun (a lot of work, but a lot of fun). I'll be the first to tell you, ASLU (Lifeprint) isn't perfect, but hey if you are going to get anywhere you've got to start somewhere.
For those who want tracking and documentation -- registration at ASLU is open year round for for ASL 1, ASL 2, ASL 3, and ASL 4. Each course is $483. Within 72 hours after registering and paying tuition you will receive a "Welcome" email with instructions on how to take and succeed in your ASL course. For more information and/or to register for classes visit: REGISTRATION
If you just want to learn ASL and don't need documentation, most of the lesson materials are posted for free. (See the links below.)
Take care and best wishes.
~ Dr. Bill_____________________
William G. Vicars, Ed.D.
Director, ASL University
Lifeprint.com
Former day job: Tenured (full) Professor of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies (Currently: Emeritus)
California State University - Sacramento
Superhero Identity: "Indiana Bill" and/or "Safari Bill" and/or "Professor V"
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Summary: ASLU is a curriculum resource center. We do not offer a degree. We do not claim to prepare individuals for employment. Nor are not seeking accreditation. Mostly we just offer an excellent (and continually evolving) ASL curriculum and various free ASL resources.
Many people like to dive in and start learning with "Lesson 1," or check out the "First 100 Signs" page or the Lifeprint Library.
Tip: American Sign Language is a complete, natural language. In addition to learning vocabulary -- becoming truly fluent at ASL involves learning grammar, culture, and history.
* Want to help support ASL University? It's easy: DONATE (Thanks!)
* Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."
* Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription Extension of ASLU)
* Also check out Dr. Bill's channel: www.youtube.com/billvicars
You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars