A Hampton Roads woman is hoping to bring her experiences using sign language to the classroom in Williamsburg.
SignWithMeVA owner Diann Shorter is now offering beginner American Sign Language courses starting Feb. 1 at Panera Bread, located at 5218 Monticello Avenue. The courses will run every Thursday and Friday for 12 weeks, according to the SignWithMeVA website.
Beginner classes include topics such as: getting acquainted, school, discussing time, leisure activities, directional verbs, family, places, occupations, time, classifiers, going places, sports, travel, health and going to the doctor.
The classes in Williamsburg will be fun, yet structured, Shorter said. Each class will have six or fewer students so everyone can get one-on-one attention.
With the beginner classes, Shorter is also filling a void in ASL education in the area. Shorter said many of her students are beginners who have some experience with introductory ASL classes but haven’t been able to continue their ASL education because of work or other time commitments.
Once her Williamsburg students finish the beginner courses, Shorter will start offering other diverse classes, she said.
Shorter also hopes to someday add more classes in idioms and slang, numbers and finance, medical terms and religion, she said.
Shorter founded SignWithMeVA in 2010 after teaching English in South Korea for four years, according to her LinkedIn profile. She now offers courses for children and adults, including law enforcement and other first responders.
Children ages 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Shorter went on a trip to Mexico while she was studying Spanish in college, she said. Through her travels in Mexico, Shorter learned the importance of knowing both proper ASL and slang and street language.
The last day to sign up for courses is Friday, Shorter said. Classes and supplies for them cost $250.
Shorter can be reached at 757-968-2121. Her website is signwithmeva.com and available classes are at signwithmeva.com/calendar. Check “class descriptions” on the website to see what each class entails.
Classes are offered throughout Hampton Roads, including Norfolk.
