Resources

Given the pandemic, a lot of in-person ASL classes are currently suspended, but you may check with your local education providers to find courses in your community. Here is a brief list of some popular choices for online learning:

ASL Connect is affiliated with Gallaudet University and offers free online ASL lessons as well as the opportunity to take online classes for credit ($316 per credit hour). For more information:

ASL University is a series of self-directed lessons taught by Dr. Bill Vicars. It is an excellent resource and many of the lessons are free or at minimal cost (donations are encouraged). For more information:

DEAF, Inc. is a St. Louis based organization that offers three online ASL classes for participants age 16 and older. Each class meets once a week for six weeks and is $45. For more information:

ed2go is an online education platform that offers two sign language courses. Each is 6 weeks long and you can choose either self-paced or instructor-led. Each class is $149 or you can take both for $199. For more information:

Paraquad is a St. Louis based organization that offers two online ASL classes. Each class meets once a week for eight weeks and is $125. For more information:

Sign School offers free, self-directed ASL lessons and other resources. For more information:

The mission of All Hands On is to foster relationships between Deaf and Emergency Managers in preparing for disaster. Standard  Community Emergency Response Basic Training (CERT) is a FEMA training program open to all citizens. Participants learn how to become volunteers in times of emergency and disaster. 

Series of ASL videos covering emergency preparedness kits, tornado preparedness, flood preparedness, and earthquake preparedness.

24/7 Crisis Counseling for people experiencing a disaster. You can also click on the “ASL Now” link on the website below.

Rochester Institute of Technology

The Red Cross Home Fire Smoke Alarm campaign is currently suspended due to Covid. However, you can make a request at the website above, and they will contact you when the program is restarted.

The Ready in 3 program focuses on three steps families can take to prepare for emergencies: Create a Plan, Prepare a Kit, and Listen for Information. This video in ASL describes the program in depth:

General information on how you can plan for emergencies, where you can volunteer in case of emergencies, and upcoming events throughout the state. Also links to contact your local (town or county) emergency management agencies.

You can create a free Smart911 profile. This information, such as noting your hearing loss, will be relayed to emergency responders when you call 911 during an emergency.

Currently, the ability to use texting to contact 911 in case of an emergency is only available in limited areas of Missouri. The website above has a map showing where this is available. You can view an ASL video here that explains the service: