The Department of American Sign Language and Interpreter Training is designed to provide quality American Sign Language and Interpreter education by offering a comprehensive series of classes including but not limited to American Sign Language, Deaf Culture, and the interpreting process.

Learning American Sign Language is similar to learning any other foreign language. It takes time and practice to achieve linguist competency and fluency. The acquisition of key elements of any language usually occurs in a sequential manner. You can’t hurry the process along! Class attendance and completion of lab work are essential, but not enough. Proficiency in American Sign Language will require interacting with the people who use the language. The ASL/IT department has a spiraling curriculum. Each student’s personal situation and individual characteristics, including motivation and learning style will determine the time frame to complete the program

The American Sign Language, Interpreter Training and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services department is what it is today because of the support and long range vision of the San Antonio College administration, the San Antonio Deaf Community , and the faculty and staff of the department. Currently there are eight full-time tenure track faculty members, three adjunct faculty members and two full time lab technicians.

The department offers a unique setting for students because of the many Deaf students taking classes at San Antonio College. ASL and interpreting students have the opportunity to interact with Deaf students on campus, in the lab and to become involved in the social and cultural events in the Deaf community on and off campus.

There is an ASL Lab as well as an Interpreting Lab open to students and the community Monday through Saturday. It is staffed by two full time Deaf employees. The ASL lab contains more than 1000 commercially produced media titles in digital format as well as an extensive print library. There are 20 individual student stations which allow student to both view materials, access the internet or record their own work.

The program is fortunate to have dedicated classrooms that are visually accessible. A new digital Interpreting Classroom made possible through grant monies and a partnership with Sorenson Communications will open soon.

Though out the year the department hosts a variety of events that will introduce students to the Deaf and Interpreting community, including ASL/Interpreting Workshops, monthly panels, an annual Talent Show, Department Open House, to name but a few. These events provide students with opportunities to meet and interact with members of the Deaf community and working interpreters.