SUNDERLAND — In a partnership with the North Star Center for Self-Directed Learning, the Sunderland Public Library is hosting biweekly American Sign Language classes.

The immersive experience, led by Willie Ross School for the Deaf outreach instructor Brittainy Simpson, will teach library participants and North Star students the basics of American Sign Language. The Willie Ross School, based in Longmeadow, is dedicated to providing deaf and hard-of-hearing students a comprehensive education to help them experience full and productive lives, according to the school’s website.

Sunderland Public Library Director Katherine Umstot said the library is hosting the class in hopes of creating a more accessible community by facilitating more open and comfortable conversations.

“There’s a lot of people who are deaf or hard of hearing in our community,” Umstot said. “Being able to speak someone’s language is a great way to welcome them in any space.”

American Sign Language, which first arose 200 years ago, is completely distinct from English and contains all the fundamental rules for pronunciation, word formation and syntax, while also including facial expressions, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Approximately 2 million people speak American Sign Language as their primary language in the United States and parts of Canada, according to Portland State University’s World Languages and Literatures department.

The class came together after North Star students held some fundraisers at the library. Teens expressed interest in learning American Sign Language and wanted to bring in an expert to teach them. To pay for the instructor, North Star students raised money through a fundraiser at the library, where the idea of hosting a sign language class interested Umstot. The library ultimately agreed to split the costs and welcome library patrons to participate.

“When it comes to North Star, we have had years of teens really wanting to learn American Sign Language,” said Operations Manager Kizzi Collier. “It’s been a particular language that they’ve really wanted to learn, especially because it … helps reach within more communities.”

The school employs a “total communication approach” to its programs, where classes are taught in American Sign Language, spoken and written English, as well as spoken English in combination with sign support, according to its website. Umstot said classes at the library will be taught mostly in American Sign Language, with some spoken English instruction.

Collier said they’ve had volunteers teach North Star’s teens in the past, but this is the first time they’re bringing in an outside teacher for American Sign Language. She added that most language education at the school has been in more common languages like Spanish or French.

“It’s definitely a language that seems to be forgotten about and I do my best to give them as many resources as I possibly can,” Collier said. “They’re excited.”

Classes started in early March and will be held every other Friday afternoon. The class is registration-only and is currently full, but there is a waiting list in the event patrons drop out. Those interested can contact the library at 413-665-2642 or director@sunderlandpubliclibrary.org to be added to the list.

With such an interest in the class, Umstot said the Sunderland Public Library is interested in hosting similar opportunities in the future.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.]]>