Sign Language Courses

Hands Signing

American Sign Language

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.

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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).

ASL Classes are now online!

 

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 – Mondays/Wednesdays

(In partnership with Georgian College, Continuing Education)

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL

Mondays 7:00 – 9:00 pm (online class) and Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:00 pm (online tutorial/lab) 

START DATE: Starting Monday September 21st  

Course Fee: $285

 

 ASL Beginner 1 – Thursdays

Thursdays 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm (online class) and 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm (online tutorial/lab) 

START DATE: Thursday, October 1st 

Course Fee: $285

 Register for ASL Beginner Level 1

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

Tuesdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm (online class) and 9:00 – 10:00 pm (online tutorial/lab) 

NEW START DATE: Starting Thursday, October 1st  

*This course requires the use of the Signing Naturally 1 workbook and DVD purchased for level Beginner 1

Register for ASL Beginner Level 2

ASL Intermediate 1 course offers an immersive environment promoting culturally appropriate behaviours and social language through a variety of activities and presentations. Topics to be covered include describing people & things, making requests, asking for advice and describing places.

Prerequisite: ASL Beginner 2

Materials: Signing Naturally Units 7 to 12 Student DVD workbook.

12 weeks – 36 hrs

ASL Intermediate 1

Thursdays 7:00 – 9:00 pm (online class) and 9:00 – 10:00 pm (online tutorial/lab) 

NEW START DATE: Starting Thursday, October 1st  

Register for ASL Intermediate Level 1

*Course materials for the intermediate level are available for purchase via the PayPal link below.

Inquiries regarding ASL classes can be emailed to aslprogram@deafaccess.ca

VIRTUAL COURSES
ASL Assessment Fee (due upon booking)

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.

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PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

Individualized private tutoring and/or instruction can be made available for those who are seeking extra support in their learning of ASL or for those with challenging schedules. Curriculum and learning expectations are tailored to each individual’s needs and goals.

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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.

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LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE YOUR SIGNING SKILLS?

Hosted by local members of the community, monthly ASL Coffee Nights in Barrie, Orillia & Midland provide an opportunity for ASL students to practice their conversational ASL skills outside the classroom environment. For more information about this group please contact the Deaf Access office.