As Seminaries and Institutes of Religion (S&I) classes begin in the United States and Canada, please be aware that classes taught using American Sign Language (ASL) are available for youth and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. These students will:

• Be taught the gospel in their own language to help them deepen their faith in Jesus Christ.
• Acquire the correct gospel terminology.
• Be taught by teachers who are fluent in ASL.
• Be able to associate with peers and mentors who are deaf or hard of hearing.

To ensure all deaf or hard of hearing students are included, the following class types are taught using ASL:

1. In-Person Classes: Taught in a classroom environment with a teacher fluent in ASL. The local Seminaries and Institutes of Religion representative will assist priesthood leaders to establish these classes where feasible.
2. Video Conferencing Classes: Taught using video conferencing with a teacher who is fluent in ASL. Available in different time zones regardless of where students live.

For those who register for traditional classes, certified interpreters can be provided through volunteers or community resources under the discretion of local leaders. (See General Handbook 38.8.27.2 and 38.8.27.6.)

Ward council members may consider identifying and encouraging youth and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing to register for ASL classes as follows:

mySeminary

Parents or guardians can register youth who are deaf or hard of hearing for an ASL class by clicking the Register For an American Sign Language Class link, which is listed above the other seminary class options at mySeminary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

myInstitute

Young adults, ages 18–31, who are deaf or hard of hearing can register for an ASL class by scrolling down to the Accessibility section at myInstitute.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

If you have questions or need help registering students, contact your stake Seminaries and Institutes of Religion representative.

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