first steps
sign language
Communication is the key to relationships. Sign Language is a tool that children who cannot rely on the spoken word, can use to communicate their needs. Families and caregivers who desire more communication with their children can use sign language to foster communication and enhance relationships.

Beginner Sign Language Class
This class will teach sign language to teachers,  families, and caregivers of children with special needs (Deaf, Hard of hearing, Down syndrome, Autism, Aphasia, etc.). The course is designed specifically to address and enhance the communication of special needs children who are not verbal, and those who want to communicate with them. Each class will revolve around specific topics such as: activities, emotions, behavior, safety, food, and home.

Target Audience:
  • Parents
  • Caregivers
  • Therapists
  • Teachers
  • Anyone who wants to communicate with language-impaired children


The goal of these classes is to provide individuals with the tools for basic communication with their child, student, client, or friend while having fun learning!  This class is for adults only, to help get the initial skills to begin to communicate via words and sentences. 

Sign Language
In recent years, research has shown there are many benefits to using sign language with  all children and it has been shown to be of great benefit in developing language skills in children with Down syndrome. Due to low muscle tone, it often takes children with Down syndrome longer to be able to use expressive language.  Sign Language can be a critical bridge to the spoken word by giving children with speech delays a means to communicate their needs, wants and emotions.

At Club 21, our goal is to help families and educators facilitate beginning language and help children with Down syndrome take the next steps toward the spoken word.  Communication is the movement from darkness to light.

BENEFITS OF SIGNING
  • Sign language fosters intimacy and bonding between parents and child.
  • Sign language helps decrease frustration a level, consequently behavior often improves.
  • Sign language builds vocabulary at an early age.  Children can label tangible items and concepts much earlier than waiting for the ability to label those concepts through the spoken word.
  • Sign language builds self esteem.  Children get positive, immediate feedback on their “words” and they gain the confidence to keep communicating.   

About the Instructor
Nancy is a former Special Education Teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District.  She has worked with various disabilities throughout her career. She is a native Sign Language speaker as the hearing child of two deaf parents.  Nancy has two children, one of whom has Down syndrome, and she has used sign language with both of her children to facilitate communication.

Class Basics
When: 5 Saturday mornings from 9:00am-10:30am, April 18-May 16
Where: Club 21's "Blue Room" (Upstairs)
           539 North Lake Ave
   Pasadena, CA 91101
How Much: $100 for entire class
                 This class is vendored through Lanterman Regional Center - PD1134 under the name "Learn SIgns"
More Info: email nancy@clubtwentyone.org





for children with
down syndrome