The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) recently wrapped up its biannual American Sign Language class. Classes were held at the Marx Library in classroom 171 every Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. Both free and open to the public, the course typically lasts for eight weeks.

The classroom’s layout is semi-circular, with seats arranged in a “U” shape, all directed towards the instructor at the center. This layout is universally used in both sign-language courses and deaf classrooms so that it is easier for students to see and communicate with the instructor.

AIDB provides a booklet for both teachers and students to follow. Taught by instructor Lee Stoutamire-Ramirez, students leave the course with an ASL vocabulary of common words. Stoutamire-Ramirez expressed that he is particularly passionate about teaching and that he likes to work with beginners. He also serves as an examiner for the more advanced classes.

Following the last class, students are invited to join their classmates and others at a silent dinner held at Agave Mexican Restaurant. The rules of the dinner are simple: no talking and no reacting to noise. Each time students make or react to noise, they must put 25 cents on the table. During the dinner, students are encouraged to apply their recently acquired skills in conversations, particularly with members of the Deaf community.

While the dinner may seem a bit intimidating, Stoutamire-Ramirez reassured students that the experience would still be enjoyable and not to stress over making mistakes. 

“Don’t apologize for making mistakes. You’re a beginner and that’s okay,” said Stoutamire-Ramirez.

Although classes this year have finished, the course starts again on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.