The Accessible Canada Act recognizes American Sign Language (ASL), la langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ) and Indigenous Sign Language (ISL) as the primary languages of Deaf people in Canada. A complete visual language with unique grammar and sentence structures, ASL is communicated through handshapes, facial expressions, head and body movements and postures. Understanding and using ASL allows you to create connections, bridge cultures and foster inclusion in your personal and professional life.
Taught by supportive Deaf and DeafBlind instructors, our immersive courses are delivered in a Deaf-centric environment, where no words are spoken. Become familiar with nuances to communicate appropriately and respectfully, gain insight into the lived experiences and perspectives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people and develop an appreciation for the richness of Deaf culture and practices.
The courses are offered in a variety of levels, and can be taken individually, but are most effective when taken in succession as they build upon one another. Not sure which level is right for you? Read our overview of course language levels to find the appropriate course for your experience and skills.
Learning ASL will change your worldview
Extended Learning ASL instructors Sandra, John and Heidi share their love for ASL and teaching. They describe what students can expect from taking an Extended Learning ASL class and the impact their learning will have.
Get an introduced to ASL, a complete visual language with distinct grammar and sentence structures. Learn in an immersive signing-only environment with no spoken English. Our experienced Deaf instructors use ASL, gestures, slides and occasional written English to help you learn.
Continue to build on your American Sign Language (ASL) skills and knowledge. Focus on discussing living situations, locations and basic directions. Learn how to ask "What is the sign for ___?" and new fingerspelling letters.
Learn how to describe family members and how they are related, and how to specify someone's age using American Sign Language (ASL). Formerly Sign Language Lower Intermediate.
Advance your grammar and understanding of sentence structure in American Sign Language (ASL). Learn about agreement verbs, how to ask if something is done, and how to tell how often. Learn signs for talking about everyday activities, chores, extended family and what one does for a living. Formerly Sign Language Intermediate 1.
Focus in-depth on American Sign Language (ASL) storytelling, and take your skills and knowledge of this visual literature to a new level. With seven stories in the curriculum, including six childhood stories, the course moves at a quick but exciting pace. Formerly Sign Language Intermediate 2.
The American Sign Language (ASL) Summer Institute offers three language level options: Beginner 1, Beginner 2 and Beginner 3. Each week of an Institute condenses a 10-week course into five days. Jumpstart your learning in a one-, two- or three-week program, starting at the level that’s right for you.
Learn to communicate in a wider array of situations and further develop your fluency and comprehension of American Sign Language (ASL). Formerly Sign Language Intermediate 3.
Focus on using American Sign Language (ASL) in situations such as making requests, agreeing with conditions and asking for advice. Formerly Sign Language Intermediate 4.
This course focuses on sharing opinions and comparing personal qualities using ASL. You’re introduced to your first ASL fable, The Fox and the Crow.
This course covers unit 9 from the textbook Signing Naturally Units 7–12. Learn to communicate in a wider array of situations and further develop your fluency and comprehension of American Sign Language (ASL).
Thousands of Canadians belong to the DeafBlind community. While many community members use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate, there is an increasing prioritization of touch-based communication to better suit the community’s needs. Learning how to incorporate touch as a core linguistic and cultural feature is a key step in getting to know and understand the DeafBlind community.
Learn about Deaf people's experiences and culture and connect with a new perspective. Learn about Deaf Gain versus hearing loss and develop the core knowledge and skills you need to be an ally and to interact sensitively with members of the Deaf community.
Join this free online workshop to learn about La Langue des Signes Québécois, the official sign language used by members of Francophone Canada's Deaf communities. Build your awareness about issues and topics important to LSQ users throughout Canada.
