American Sign Language (ASL) is the native language used by the Deaf community in North America. It is a visual language comprised of specific signs, handshapes and facial expressions following a unique grammar structure. Our courses are community based non-accredited classes.
COMMUNITY COURSES - ADULTS (16+)
Deaf Access is proud to offer American Sign Language classes at a variety of levels year-round in partnership with Georgian College. All of our instructors are Deaf, professionally trained fluent users of ASL, and provide you with an interactive opportunity to be immersed in the language and culture of the Deaf community. There is no spoken language used regularly in class.
Deaf Access uses the Signing Naturally series developed by Deaf native ASL users at Vista Community College in Berkeley, California over 30 years ago. The functional notional approach is based on the language’s communicative use and focuses on natural and interpersonal communication needs.
Students with prior learning that wish to gain entry into advanced courses are required to show record of completed courses or take a placement test (fee applies – please contact our office at aslprogram@deafaccess.ca to book and note payment option below).
REGISTRATION FOR WINTER 2023 NOW OPEN.
Classes will continue to be offered virtually for the winter session.
ASL Beginner Level 1 is an immersive introductory course that focuses on basic vocabulary and an introduction to various aspects of deafness. Students will learn how to introduce oneself, exchange personal information, discuss living situations and gain knowledge of Deaf culture and community. Course text (utilized in both ASL Beginner 1 and 2 courses) is required.
Materials: Signing Naturally Book 1 – Units 1 to 3 Students DVD/workbook.
12 weeks – 36 hours
*please note that course materials for beginner level courses are available through the Georgian College campus book store and are required for the first day of class
ASL Beginner 1 – Wednesdays
In partnership with Georgian College, Continuing Education
Wednesdays 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
START DATE: Wednesday January 18, 2023
Course Fee: $291.68
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/part-time-studies/courses/asl-beginner-1-comu-0071/
The ASL Beginner 2 course builds on skills and knowledge obtained in ASL Beginner 1. Students are further introduced to linguistic and cultural information. Topics include talking about family and activities. Students expand their conversational range from talking about themselves and surroundings to storytelling. Focus includes re-telling stories, role-shift, classifiers and engaging their audience. Students will require the text materials from ASL Beginner 1.
Prerequisite: ASL Beginner 1
Materials: Signing Naturally Units 4 to 6 Student DVD/workbook.
12 weeks – 36 hrs
ASL Beginner 2 – Thursdays
In partnership with Georgian College, Continuing Education
Thursdays 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
START DATE: Thursday January 19, 2023
*This course requires the use of the Signing Naturally 1 workbook and DVD purchased for level Beginner 1
REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/part-time-studies/courses/asl-beginner-1-comu-0072/
ASL Intermediate and Advanced Levels
To request more information, please contact programs@deafaccess.ca
ASL PROFICIENCY EVALUATIONS
There are two options to take to check your ASL language skills.
#1 – PLACEMENT TEST: Have prior ASL knowledge, learning and unsure of which course to take? Book an ASL assessment with us for $40.00. Click the button below for payment and email aslprogram@deafaccess.ca to schedule your appointment.
#2 ASL PROFICIENCY INTERVEW (ASLPI): Your employer may ask you to under go an global language evaluation to determine your ASL skill level to fit the employment environment. Deaf Access recognizes two organizations offering this evaluation: Sign Language Institute of Canada (SLIC) and Gallaudet University (Washington D.C.). Deaf Access is currently a proctor for in-person ASLPI bookings for Gallaudet.
For more information about SLIC’s process, please email info@slicanada.ca or visit their website at https://slicanada.ca/aslpi/. For more information about Gallaudet University’s process, please email ASLPI@gallaudet.edu or visit their website at https://www.gallaudet.edu/the-american-sign-language-proficiency-interview/aslpi/.
Questions can also be emailed to us at programs@deafaccess.ca for either process.
CORPORATE COURSES
Are you a part of a municipality, company or agency that has Deaf employees or interested in improving interactions between front-line staff and Deaf customers? Deaf Access offers specialized courses that include an introduction to ASL as well as various communication strategies that will help promote better communication within your business or organization. Training is currently offered online and can be tailored to best match your specific needs. Request More Information: |
PRIVATE INSTRUCTION
ASL INSTRUCTOR TRAINING
Are you fluent in ASL and culturally Deaf? Deaf Access partners with Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf to offer training to those interested in becoming an ASL Instructor as well as experienced ASL Instructors looking for additional training or certification. A first step is to book your ASLPI with either Sign Language Institute of Canada (SLIC) or Gallaudet University (see above for more information about ASLPI proficiency). Request More Information: |
