Best way to learn American Sign Language?

[moosehead]

My dad has Ménière’s disease and the way things are going, it’s a very real possibility he will go completely deaf. He only has hearing in one ear as rubella took the other.

I’ve found an intro class here in Johnson county. I’m just curious if anyone has experience with an organization, or if anyone has used some of the online programs to learn.

This is for my wife and I, he has someone lined up closer to home.
Thanks for the help!

 

[Hoosierdood]

I don't have any personal experience with sign language, but I know that Youtube is the first place I would go if I wanted to learn something like that.

 

[hoosierdoc]

Is he a candidate for cochlear implant?

 

[OurDee]

Get the alphabet picture chart and start using it with him. If he wants orange juice, have him sign O J. Expand it till you and he has memorized all 26 letters.

 

[moosehead]

I don't have any personal experience with sign language, but I know that Youtube is the first place I would go if I wanted to learn something like that.

Believe it or not, I had not even thought about YouTube yet. Thanks for reminding me.

Is he a candidate for cochlear implant?

Possible. 1st specialist told home he was going deaf. Second specialist mentioned cochlear implant, but suggest he see someone tied to Methodist hospital. I’ve looked at it, and success rate seems really good. It all comes down to weather or not he’s a candidate, so we’re waiting on the next appointment.

Get the alphabet picture chart and start using it with him. If he wants orange juice, have him sign O J. Expand it till you and he has memorized all 26 letters.

That is a good idea. Truthfully, I’m more worried about the family picking it up. He can still speak, but I don’t know how much hearing himself will play into speaking. We need to be able to fill in the other half of the conversation.

 

[BigRed]

Years ago, I worked at a company that hired a press operator who was deaf-mute. I worked most of my shifts with him. I picked up on the alphabet in a couple of days.... from that point on it was easy to ask "what is the sign for XXXX?"

If you can get around somebody that knows it and you can use it with them, it will go pretty quick.

I have not used it for years. Most of my signs are not good and/or forgotten. I still remember the alphabet though. Ran into a guy who was having trouble at a gas station not long ago. Was able to communicate well enough to help him get on his way.

My best wishes to your Dad and your family.