Who is AZTI? What is our mission?

It is the mission of AZTI to offer the nation’s leading American Sign Language programs. We believe this is accomplished by offering the most interactive, comprehensive and effective workshops and immersion programs available. AZTI adheres to the philosophy that native signers are the most equipped to instruct ASL students concerning their language and culture. Not only do our instructors come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, the demonstrating awesome skill in the classroom.

AZTI Philosophy and Principles

1. AZTI shall provide training in AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (both expressive and receptive) ranging from beginners advanced levels of students. AZTI shall provide training in Deaf culture to the hearing community.
2. AZTI shall utilize instructors whom possess great skill in ASL instruction and are recognized as leaders within the Deaf community.
3. AZTI shall provide a variety of educational opportunities for the community. ASL and Deaf culture instruction will be rendered via the disciplines of classes, workshops, lectures, immersion retreats and community events.
4. AZTI shall provide opportunities to the individuals, whom are Deaf, to instruct ASL classes and lecture concerning the Deaf culture before the same opportunity is extended to a hearing individual.
5. AZTI shall provide opportunities for professionals working with the hearing-impaired and Deaf population educational opportunities to increase their expressive and receptive communication skills.
6. AZTI shall provide educational opportunities for individuals working in the fields of vocational rehabilitation, mental and behavioral health, and other related fields. The goal is to increase their effectiveness in communication with the Deaf, to understand the community of the Deaf, and to maintain quality education, training and job placement services for the Deaf and hearing-impaired individuals.
7. AZTI shall provide opportunities for hearing parents of Deaf children educational opportunities increase their ASL communication skills and understanding of Deaf culture.
8. AZTI shall work with other agencies and groups within the community whom share the same visions and ideals. Deaf clubs and organizations, interpreter preparation programs, educational institutions just to name a few.
9. AZTI shall provide Continuing Educational Unites (CEUS) for RID certified interpreters and other credentialing bodies when appropriate.
10. AZTI shall adhere to a NO Voicing rule during our 5-day, immersion experience. Respect to Deaf instructors during this retreat by not voicing is paramount. Receptive skills being build is an additional benefit to this process.