Learning ASL in 2026

My goal and some hopefully-useful resources!

In 2026, I am going to learn basic ASL.

In preparation, I've been learning about local and online resources and organizing them into docs that I can use and provide to others looking to learn ASL too! The rest of this post is a collection of resources I've found with a focus on North Carolina and the Triangle area, where I live, specifically! This is by no means complete, but hopefully it's useful to other people interested in learning ASL!

If there's anything I should add or any corrections I should make, let me know! I'll update it throughout 2026.

North Carolina Geography

In NC, it seems that the Triad area (Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point) has the highest concentration of ASL use (source: CSDHH map). In-person classes and events tend to be offered in those areas more than other areas like the Triangle although there is still activity here.

North Carolina Organizations

North Carolina has one government division, several non-profits, and a few Facebook groups that provide services and community to the Deaf community.

NC DSDHH (gov)

The Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) works to ensure that all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind North Carolinians have the ability to communicate their needs and to receive information easily and effectively in all aspects of their lives, especially their health and well-being.

The DSDHH has a monthly calendar, which you can subscribe to.

The DSDHH splits NC into several regions each with a Regional Center. The Triangle area is covered by the Raleigh region.

CSDHH (non-profit)

The non-profit Communication Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CSDHH) provides sign language interpreting and real-time captioning services, hosts events, and offers classes on ASL.

They have a calendar of events and it can be filtered to show Triangle area events.

BEGINNINGS (non-profit)

The non-profit BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing helps parents and families understand hearing loss as well as the diverse needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing..

They have a newsletter that they use to share info about events.

Community Groups (on facebook)

There are multiple ASL community groups on Facebook:

• North Carolina Deaf Community - Public Group for North Carolinians Deaf Community as a whole! Welcome!
• Deaf Chat Coffee Raleigh NC - Once a month, join us for coffee and ASL chat on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 1 pm to 4pm. All skill levels welcome.
• Raleigh Durham Deaf Night Out - This group is to connect all who love American Sign Language of any ability level. Purpose is to socialize and have fun. We respect Deaf culture and Deaf people. Deaf/HH not here to teach other's ASL. It is their space and relaxing place. All are welcome and included. If you have questions, ask Admin. Excited to meet you!

NC ASL Classes

Currently Available

• CSDHH winter classes!! Sign up now!!
  • They are available online and in-person at the CSDHH office in Greensboro.
  • Each class is 8 weeks long and meets one day a week for 2 hours.
  • The winter classes will take place between January 12 and March 16.
• Durham Technical Community College
  • ASL-111 (3 credit hours) and ASL-181 (1 credit hour) that must be taken together.
  • Two sections are listed as being offered from 1/12 - 5/12 despite it being listed as "Offered: Fall"

Classes Potentially Available on Request

NC DSDHH

According to the NC DSDHH

To inquire about a special class for small groups/special interest, please contact your local Regional Center Deaf Services Specialist.

For the Raleigh region, the Deaf Services Specialist is Susan Cataldo (Susan.Cataldo@dhhs.nc.gov).

Wake Tech

Wake Tech has a page for ASL training that lists no courses but says:

Looking for a private class for your group? We can tailor our courses to meet the unique needs of your business, church, civic or social group.

For more information, email CCE@waketech.edu.

Programs

Degree or certificate granting programs.

• UNC Greensboro
  • Bachelor's in Interpreting, Deaf Education and Advocacy Services - Interpreter Preparation (4 years, in-person)
• Carolina University (note: this is a private religious university)
  • Bachelor's of Arts in Deaf Studies (4 years, available online)
    • Offers two tracks: sign language interpreting and advocacy in social services
  • Certificate in Sign Language Communication (1 year, available online)
  • Certificate in Interpreter Training Preparation (1 year, available online)
    • note: ASL proficiency required for admission

Online Resources

ASL University (lifeprint.com)

Dr. Bill Vicars hosts free online lessons as part of ASL University (lifeprint.com) that are split into courses made up of 15 lessons. Each lesson appears to be a 30-60 minute video plus supplemental text.