ASL Friends Brings Sign Language Classes to Marco

ASL Friends kicked off 2026 by offering two free, four-week Introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) classes in January and February at the Marco Island Fire and Rescue Building. More than 40 participants—ages 13 to 92—attended.

The classes welcomed all experience levels, from beginners to retired teachers of the deaf. When asked what brought them in—especially on sunny Marco Island afternoons—students shared meaningful motivations: connecting with loved ones who have hearing loss, improving communication, and creating a more welcoming community for Deaf individuals.

One memorable moment came during a January session, when advanced student Janet Marzano taught signs for “America the Beautiful” at the end of each class. After several weeks, students were ready to sign along to recorded music. Then Cheryl Nelson of the United Church of Marco Island, drawing on her musical background, offered to sing the song live. With Cheryl’s voice accompanying the students’ expressive signing, it became a truly unforgettable experience.

In February, award-winning Deaf producer/director James DeBee joined the class virtually. Students greeted him by fingerspelling their names. As DeBee shared stories from his childhood, Nussbaum—an educator and interpreter for the deaf—voiced his signs. The two first met in 1996 at the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, where their collaboration on Mister Rogers’ ASL Friends began and grew into a 30-year friendship.

ASL Friends expressed gratitude to Fire Chief Chris Byrne for use of the state-of-the-art classroom and to Kelly Aroney for coordination support. Sponsors included the United Church of Marco Island and the Knights of Columbus from San Marco Catholic Church. Planning is already underway for classes in 2027.

Join Us for ASL Fore ALL Golf 2026

ASL Friends is preparing for its third annual ASL Fore ALL charity golf outing.

The 2025 event drew more than 60 golfers and helped the organization surpass 80% of its fundraising goal. Proceeds support a one-week, language-rich special edition of the Mister Rogers’ ASL Friends video series for young deaf children and their families.

Supporters are invited to save the date for the 2026 outing, scheduled for Sunday, October 11, at Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club in Naples, Florida. DeBee is expected to attend.

ASL Friends’ mission is to promote language acquisition for deaf children and support family communication through early educational programming in American Sign Language.

For more information, visit www.aslfriends.org, follow ASL Friends on Facebook, or contact Kimberly Nussbaum at kim@aslfriends.org or 724-713-1402.

To donate, please make checks payable to:

ASL Friends, Inc. and send it to:

Attn: Kimberly Nussbaum

140 Seaview Ct., Unit 1802 N

Marco Island, FL 34145

ASL Friends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 13-4309009).