Practice American Sign Language (ASL) With an ASL Expert Through Video Chat

By Jillian Winn
Monday, September 19, 2016

We’re excited to announce that we are launching a new service where you can practice American Sign Language (ASL) with an ASL expert through video chat. We are calling this new service Savvy Chat. All chats are one-on-one 30 minute sessions using video conferencing software online. You can practice your receptive and expressive ASL skills and/or get help with a specific aspect of ASL.

To use Savvy Chat, you will need a webcam, high speed internet, and a device that will allow you to download and install the Zoom video conferencing software (you can use a Windows or Mac OS X computer, iPhone, or Android device).

We are starting with a limited number of spots for roll out of Savvy Chat to see if there is interest in this service.

Schedule a time for a Savvy Chat before they all fill up!

If a lot of people are interested in Savvy Chat, we will add more availability in the future.

View/Add Comments (8 comments)

Comments

Chat

Savvy User EllenTuesday, September 20, 2016

Absolutely fantastic!!! What a great idea. Anything interactive for someone who is new to the language is a huge help.

Congrats!

Chat !

Savvy User JacyThursday, September 22, 2016

YES ! Great idea !! WIll look at my schedule and plan a session !

For beginners too?

CindiSunday, October 2, 2016

This sounds like a wonderful resource for those who have gotten enough skill under their belts to try it. Is there any chance something similar can be set up to help beginners though too? So we can ask questions and maybe show signs we saw but don't know and can't find in the dictionary? Maybe even get some tips to help us remember signs better and help making sure we are doing them correctly? Someone who is an expert would be such a blessing to work with for a lot of beginners.

Great for beginners too!

Jillian @ Signing SavvyMonday, October 3, 2016

Savvy Chat is great for beginners too! You can ask questions about signs, get tips, and more. When you fill out the Savvy Chat form when scheduling an appointment, you can add notes about what you would like to work on, for example expressive or receptive fingerspelling, or certain vocabulary. We encourage you to try to sign the whole time during your Chat (it’s ok if you need to sign slow or ask our ASL Expert to go slower or repeat, she has worked as an ASL teacher with everyone from beginners to advanced signers). Additionally, there is a text messaging feature within the video conferencing software if you need another form of communication to supplement your signing.

One more question

CindiMonday, October 3, 2016

Thanks for your reply and that's so cool that beginners are welcome too. :) I don't know enough signs to sign everything I say yet though. Also, due to learning sign as a way to communicate with my nonverbal Autistic son, I have been using simply the words and have not had the chance to learn actual ASL syntex/word order. I have been told that what my son and I are doing is more known as S.E.E. Would that still be okay?

Yes, of course!

Jillian @ Signing SavvyMonday, October 3, 2016

Yes, that is SEE, and is ok for Savvy Chat as well. :-)

Thanks :D

CindiThursday, October 6, 2016

Awesome! Thanks so much :)

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Chat Interest

NetanyahWednesday, May 17, 2017

This offer is exactly what I've been looking for. I'm learning ASL out of a desire to communicate with deaf or autistic communities. I have some hearing loss, and am on the spectrum, so I like to sign better than verbal-talking communication. I'm worried about the cost of this, with very little income and difficulty just surviving, it will be near impossible to pay this, although I know it is not supposed to be a free service. As soon as I can I will become a member here.