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Empower the People
Mission
At ASL Champs, our mission is to “empower the people” with language and connection. We do this through our provision of high-quality, affordable American Sign Language education.
We believe that communication is a human right. Through accessible, Deaf-led online ASL classes, we strive to bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities—empowering and advancing a more inclusive society.
Vision
We envision a more equitable and connected world where American Sign Language bridges divides, amplifies Deaf voices, and empowers all people to participate fully—fostering mutual respect, access, and inclusion.
What we do
ASL Champs provides Deaf-led online ASL classes in a fun, relaxed atmosphere rooted in community and cultural respect.
Our structured ASL courses are available as full e-courses and include a bonus of optional live weekly Zoom practice sessions. A few select in-person classes are offered periodically in the Richmond, VA area.
Whether you complete our e-courses independently or join us for live sessions, you will have meaningful opportunities to interact and practice what you are learning.
ASL Champs is led by a Deaf educator and Deaf-owned business committed to centering Deaf voices in ASL education. Our instructors are Deaf or highly fluent ASL users who use the language in their everyday lives. Because language is best learned through immersion, we teach in a voice-off environment. We believe this sets students up with the strongest foundation to learn ASL naturally and respectfully.
Enrollment is continuous and open to anyone with an internet connection. We offer beginner through intermediate courses, private classes for families and corporate groups, and tutoring upon request.
While you will learn a lot in our courses, we know ASL acquired in the classroom is really a “seed” that needs to grow. Since Deaf Culture is at the heart of everything we do, ASL Champs also serves as a bridge to local Deaf community events and resources—encouraging students to practice and engage beyond the screen.
We are proud to be a 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 in 2016. The goal was to provide affordable, not-for-credit American Sign Language classes to the general public.
These classes gathered in community spaces in the evenings and met a need for those who were not already in a college setting yet wanted to learn ASL from qualified instructors in a culturally respectful environment.
In 2020, ASL Champs moved classes online. In doing so, we were able to continue serving our RVA community while expanding nationally. Today, students from across the country join our live interactive Zoom-based ASL courses—benefiting from structured curriculum, weekly practice sessions, and integrated Deaf culture learning.
We continue to honor our beginnings while serving learners nationwide.
For more information about our classes, check out our FAQs. Have a different question? Reach out to us!
Thank you for choosing ASL Champs.
We’re thrilled to be on your ASL journey with you.
See you in class!