American Sign Language (ASL) Training Services

Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is more than learning a new language—it is an opportunity to build authentic relationships, deepen your understanding of Deaf culture, and help create more accessible and inclusive communities.

The San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) offers engaging, practical ASL instruction for individuals, families, businesses, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Whether your goal is personal growth, workplace accessibility, or better communication with Deaf customers, colleagues, students, or community members, we tailor every program to your needs.

What will you learn?

Core ASL Skills

  • Everyday conversational ASL

  • Fingerspelling and receptive skills

  • ASL grammar, sentence structure, and visual communication

  • Facial expressions and non-manual markers

  • Numbers, dates, time, and practical vocabulary

  • Confidence communicating with Deaf individuals

Deaf Culture & Accessibility

  • Deaf culture, identity, and community

  • Cultural awareness and Deaf etiquette

  • Inclusive communication strategies

  • Accessibility and disability awareness

  • Building respectful and authentic relationships

Our classes are interactive, learner-centered, and designed to build confidence through conversation, collaboration, and real-world practice. Every participant brings valuable experiences and perspectives, and every class provides a welcoming environment where learners can ask questions, practice without fear, and develop meaningful communication skills they can use immediately.

Specialty and Custom Training

Programs can include specific vocabulary and communication strategies:

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Customer service

  • Hospitality and events

  • Front-line staff and reception

  • Family communication

  • Industry-specific terminology

Designed Around Your Needs

Our goal is to accommodate your needs and create a flexible environment where students can develop and strengthen their communication skills with the Deaf community.

Diverse audience

Individuals and Families

Workplaces

Academic institutions

Government agencies

Non-profit organizations

Flexible format

One-on-one

Small to Large groups

In-person

Live online

Hybrid

Flexible schedule

Introductory workshops

Lunch-and-learn sessions

Multi-session series

Eight-week courses

Fully customized programs

Learn from an Experienced ASL Educator

Peter DeHaas, Founder and Executive Director of SFDBA, has spent more than three decades helping people connect through language, culture, and accessibility.  He combines academic expertise, lived experience, and a deep commitment to the Deaf community to create engaging learning experiences for students of all backgrounds.

Peter holds a Master of Arts in Linguistics with a specialization in teaching American Sign Language and has taught thousands of students in universities, workplaces, community organizations, and public agencies. LinkedIn Bio @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercdehaas/ 

Teaching Credentials:

Start Your ASL Journey!