Austin has a large Deaf community, in part because the Texas School for the Deaf is here, and a lot of fluent signers who would teach for a skill they want. ASL classes in Austin are mostly semester courses with a schedule and a fee. A swap is one on one, starts whenever you both can, and is taught by someone who signs every day.
What an ASL swap looks like
Session one is the alphabet, greetings and twenty signs you will use immediately. It is taught with your hands, not a notebook. People swap for ASL because a family member or coworker signs, because they work in healthcare or education, or because they have always wanted to.
Who is swapping ASL in Austin
Children of Deaf adults, interpreters, teachers and people who learned for family. They want car maintenance, guitar, cooking, Spanish and website help.
Trades we are matching for ASL
TeachesASL
swap
WantsCar maintenance
Questions about ASL swaps
What does the first ASL swap cover?
Usually the alphabet, greetings, and twenty signs you will use immediately, with your hands not your notebook. After that you and your partner decide what to work on next.
How much do ASL lessons cost on Swapfolk?
Nothing in money. You trade a skill you have for ASL. Paid sessions may be an option later, but the trade is the core of Swapfolk.
Where in Austin do ASL swaps happen?
Wherever the two of you agree: a coffee shop, a park, a kitchen, a gym, a studio, or on video. Most swaps meet somewhere central, east or south, and the form asks which part of Austin you are in so matches are close.
What can I trade for ASL?
Anything you are good at. The people offering ASL on Swapfolk have asked for car maintenance, languages, marketing help, cooking and music, but every list is different. Put what you know on the form.
When does Austin open?
Austin opens at 30 founding members. The counter on this page shows how many spots are left, and everyone on the list by then gets premium free for life.
Sofia