Canadian Hearing Services offers sign language classes for individuals interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL).
American Sign Language (ASL) is the language of most Deaf Canadians. It is a visual language made up of specific gestures (signs), hand shapes and facial expressions. It has its own unique grammatical rules and sentence structure.
Our qualified Deaf instructors use Signing Naturally, a sign language curriculum developed at Vista Community College in Berkeley, California, that teaches both ASL and Deaf culture to help you understand the communication needs of the Deaf community.
A “no-voice” teaching method is used to reinforce the learning experience. Participants learn through virtual classroom instruction and role-play, as well as through videotext and a workbook. The videotext and workbook supplement and reinforce the virtual classroom instruction, providing an opportunity to review, practice and retain what has been taught. The videotext is also available through a digital on-line access code. The access code is in the workbook which you will receive after registration.
We offer a range of courses, from beginner to advanced
- Beginner courses are designed to introduce students to ASL. Concepts discussed relate to people, places and things within the immediate environment. Students learn to handle basic, everyday communication such as exchanging information, identifying/describing others, and asking for clarification.
- Intermediate courses emphasize language in context: locating things, learning numeracy, making requests with inflection, talking about life events and family histories, describing objects and having social conversation.
- Advanced courses focus on building narrative skills, moving from an informal to a more formal presentation, and on developing conversational skills used in everyday discussion.
| Please register early to avoid course cancellation due to low enrolment. Insufficient registrations may necessitate the cancellation of a course. |
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fALL 2023 SCHEDULE |
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ASL
If you have no previous knowledge of ASL, you begin with ASL 101. If you have some ASL experience, contact asleducation@chs.ca to discuss a placement test.
Classes are open to anyone 16 years of age or older.
ASL
Learning any language takes a great deal of time, energy and commitment. To be able to sign is only part of the process. You must also be able to understand ASL signed by a native user. People learn at different rates so it’s difficult to predict how long it will take to learn ASL.
ASL
Course costs for ASL classes are indicated on the registration form.
Materials and Fees:
Information about material fees is provided on the registration form.
- ASL 101 Signing Naturally Level 1 Workbook including DVD and digital workbook access code is also used for ASL 102
- ASL 103 Signing Naturally Level 2 Workbook including DVD and digital workbook access code is also used for ASL 104
- ASL 301 Signing Naturally Level 3 Workbook including DVD is used for ASL courses 301, 302, 303 and 304
Refund Policy: A full refund of the registration cost will be provided up to five (5) business days before the course begins. In extenuating circumstances, you can submit a written request for consideration after the course begins, but before the start of the second class. If approved, 50% of your registration cost will be returned. No refund will be provided after the 2nd class. Note that no refund or returns are permitted on student materials after they have been delivered to the student. Please email asleducation@chs.ca for more information.
ASL
Click on the course link in the schedule to register and to pay online. Your registration will be confirmed immediately.
If you have any questions, please contact asleducation@chs.ca.
"Fabulous instructors taught the four ASL classes I took from CHS. The teachers' skills and experience with both American Sign Language and methods of instruction made the classes rich.
The CHS courses followed the Signing Naturally curriculum. This well-rounded series of lessons incorporated language and culture. The skills taught at the CHS classes were the perfect next step in ASL acquisition. I strongly recommend CHS classes to anyone wanting to expand their ASL communication ability.
The classes were easy to sign up for and join online. Thank you so much for making them available."
ASL Student, Lorraine Ortner-Blake
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"My experience in learning ASL at CHS could not have been better. My teachers were always encouraging as well as being very skilled at balancing receptive and expressive exercises with each member of the class. The Signing Naturally program progressed at a pace that was challenging and yet manageable."
ASL Student, Pamela Parker
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