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Who we are and what we do
ASL Champs provides community-based American Sign Language (ASL) classes in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. Our classes mostly conducted online via Zoom with a few select in-person classes offered periodically in the Richmond, VA area.
Our classes are live, in real-time so you get plenty of opportunity to interact and practice what you learn. Our instructors are either Deaf or possess native or near-native ASL skills, so you learn from those of us who use ASL in our everyday lives. Also, since language is best learned by immersion, we teach in a silent environment. We believe this sets students up with the best foundation to learn ASL naturally!
We offer 8 week sessions of group classes open to the public as well as private classes and tutoring upon request. Our classes range from beginner to intermediate levels.
While you will learn a LOT in our classes, we know ASL acquired in the classroom is really a “seed” that needs to grow. So we encourage our students to practice! Since Deaf Culture is the heart of everything we do, ASL Champs also serves as a bridge to local Deaf community events and resources so students can take advantage of opportunities to practice in the community.
We are a proud Deaf-owned business. We love teaching our community members about our language and culture.
Our History
ASL Champs began as a grassroots effort of the local Deaf and interpreter communities in Richmond, Virginia to provide affordable, not-for-credit American Sign Language classes to the general public.
These classes gathered in community spaces in the evenings and seemed to meet a need for those who were not already in a college setting yet wanted to learn ASL from qualified instructors.
In 2020, ASL Champs moved classes online. In doing so, we found we were not only able to continue to provide classes to our RVA community, we were able to draw even more students and instructors from across the country who 1) might not have the same local opportunities or 2) are now able to attend classes due to the convenience and flexibility online learning provides.
So, we have continued in our online format while offering a few select classes in-person as we strive to serve our RVA community and beyond.
For more information about our classes, check out our FAQs. Have a different question? Reach out to us!
We’re thrilled to be on your ASL journey with you. Thank you for choosing ASL Champs.
See you in class!