Jennifer Ward and Patty Meyers prepare for an ASL class. Photo: Paula Ritter

Commonwealth Catholic Charities' Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocacy program offers Sign Language Classes throughout the year.

The Basic Sign Language Class is a 10-week class created for beginning sign language students to introduce basic vocabulary, language tips, nonverbal gestures and important aspects of deaf culture. Registration fee: $50 + Book Price (TBA). Classes will be held Tuesday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., beginning May 18. Application form.

For students who have completed the beginning course, a Sign Language Level 2 class is offered. Registration fee is $50 (level 2 students pay only the registration fee). Classes will be held Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., beginning May 17 . Application form.

For students who have completed the beginning and level 2 courses, a Sign Language Level 3 class is offered. Registration fee is $50 (level 3 students pay only the registration fee). Classes will be held Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., beginning May 20 . Application form.

For students who have completed level 1, 2 and 3 courses, a Sign Language Level 4 class is offered. Registration fee is $50 (level 4 students pay only the registration fee). Classes will be held Monday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., beginning May 17 . Application form.

All classes are held in the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Richmond office at 1512 Willow Lawn Drive.

Seating is limited to 9 students per class. The level 2 and 3 classes may be combined if class enrollment is less than 5 each class. To reserve your space, please call Jennifer Ward at (804) 545-5937 or via email.