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Sign Language Resources

Interested in learning sign language? Check out these resources in BC and online! You can also click here to learn about some of the different sign languages and who uses them.

 

If you are looking for other disability resources, have a look at our BC Disability Directory!

Sign Language Resources

BC resources

Online resources

BC resources

Sign language schools, courses, and programs

BC School for the Deaf

The B.C. Provincial School for the Deaf focuses on the full learning potential and positive self-identity of each student. The school is partnered with the Provincial Outreach Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; a provincial resource program that supports all deaf and hard of hearing students who are attending school in their home school districts.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs are offered in partnership with:

  • South Slope Elementary where the emphasis is on language skills, problem solving, conflict-resolution, relationship building, and exploration of individual interests and talents

Younger students get support with the transition into high school and challenges facing teenagers. Older students focus on preparing for post-secondary schooling and developing life skills.

Burnaby Online ASL

Offers online ASL course options. These are available free of charge for current high school students. The Intro ASL course will be accessed online with embedded video.  Adult learners can register for course for a registration fee.

Deaf Children's Society

The Deaf Children's Society of BC offers a range of American Sign Language courses, both online and in-person

Douglas College Beginner ASL 

Douglas College offers courses in American Sign Language for persons with little or no background in the language

Douglas College Sign Language Interpretation 

Douglas College offers an interpretation course for persons who are already skilled in American Sign Language and are looking to hone their interpretation and translation skills

Okanagan Regional Library: ASL Programs

Multiple branches of the Okanagan Regional Library offer American Sign Language storytelling hours and other ASL programs. Inquire with the library for more info.

Provincial Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Deaf, hard of hearing and deaf-blind children, and their families have a safe place where they can explore and achieve personal goals in an American Sign Language (ASL) and English environment. A full range of language development courses are offered

Queer ASL

A queer and transgender positive environment with a focus on creating a more accessible, affordable, and safer space for folks who want to learn ASL in Vancouver

 

UBC Beginner Sign Language

This course is designed for those with no previous exposure to American Sign Language (ASL). The immersion approach is used to teach beginner level vocabulary and grammar. Participants will learn how to introduce themselves, discuss leisure activities, and learn about deaf culture. By the end of this class, they should be able to engage in simple conversations.

Vancouver Community College Sign Language Studies

Vancouver Community College ASL and Deaf Studies (Part-time studies) Vancouver Community College offers part-time evening classes in ASL (American Sign Language). Evening classes are offered from September to June. There is also a summer session which runs for six weeks for the months of July and August.

Interpretation Services

Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada

Use the search tool to find an interpreter near you

 

BC ASL Interpretation Services

The BC government provides a wide range of American Sign Language interpretation services

Community Interpreting Services

Interpreting services for appointments in the community.  CIS interpreters work in a variety of settings such as schools, courts, workplaces, and businesses

Interpreter Directory

An extensive directory of ASL interpreters for hire in BC

Interpreter Referral Services

Find an interpreter through these agencies

Maple Comm: Remote Video Interpretation

Provides interpretation services remotely

 

Medical Interpreting Services

Provides interpreters for emergency and non-emergency medical appointments in communities across BC

Wavefront Centre Sign Language Interpreting

Wavefront Centre provides several sign language interpreting services to assist those who use sign language as a primary mode of communication

Online resources

Lessons

American Sign Language University Free Online Lessons

An extensive collection of free online lessons and learning resources, including a fingerspelling practice tool, games, and a search feature that allows you to find signs to any word. 

ASL Introduction: 25 Basic Signs

Learn basic but important signs through a very helpful YouTube video. 

Baby Sign Language Lessons

Baby Sign Language lets babies, as young as six months old, communicate their needs more effectively.

Expert Village YouTube Sign Language Lessons

If you would like to try out the basics of sign language before you commit to a whole course, try out these free videos. Expert Village has a collection of videos to help you learn common phrases. Among other things, colors, everyday words, animals, and beverages are some of the topics of discussion. Each video is just a couple minutes in length.

HandSpeak

A leading source to learn sign language online, offering a visual ASL dictionary, grammar, lessons, fingerspelling, Baby Sign, and storytelling.

It's A Sign Life ASL Lessons

Offers ASL courses online, available 24/7, on your schedule. Learn to sign on your laptop, tablet, smartphone or anywhere you have an internet connection and a screen.

Quebec Sign Language: Free Online Course

Free online course and learning tools for Quebec Sign Language,also known as langue des signes québécoise

 

Signing For Dummies Cheat Sheet 

A guide of important basic signs, as well as some do's and don'ts of deaf etiquette. 

Sign Language 101

Learn Sign Language online through instructive videos

Sign School

A free online sign language class that takes you through the basics and then moves you through lessons that progress in difficulty. However, you can select any difficulty you want if you're already knowledgeable; pick between Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Besides the lessons, there's also a fingerspelling game and the sign of the day.

Start ASL Online Lessons

Offers around 40 units of lessons spread across three classes, with lots of videos for easy learning and printable workbooks for answering questions. Units are set up in such a way that you start off easy with the basics and then move toward the harder signs, such as conversation practice and storytelling. There is also a set of units for learning to fingerspell.

The ASL App

The ASL App is all about teaching conversational ASL. Packed with 1800+ signs and phrases, easy navigation and features, with different signers, The ASL App is designed to make learning easy, accessible, and fun.

Games and Practice

ASL Fingerspelling Tool

American Sign Language University offers an extensive collection of free online lessons and learning resources, including a fingerspelling practice tool, games, and a search feature that allows you to find signs to any word. 

Choose The Sign

A multiple-choice game in which you choose which word is being signed in each image

Name That Colour

Can you name the colour being signed in each image? Try this fun quiz and learn some ASL!

Sign Language Forum

Provides s a range of games and resources to learn and improve on sign language

Sign Language Printables

Printables can be helpful to keep on hand for reference. From printable letters of the alphabet represented in sign language, to useful common words and phrases.

What's The Number?

A number is signed to you, and then you have to respond with that number. Customize the range from 0 to almost 1 billion!

More

 

Dos and Dont's of Working with a Sign Language Interpreter 

Guidelines to follow when working with a sign language interpreter 

 

Ensuring Your Workplace, Service, or Event is Accessible to Deaf Individuals

A guide to accessibility for deaf individuals

Hiring Qualified Interpreters to Provide Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

Guidance on hiring qualified interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing children

The History of Sign Language

An overview of sign language's development

Sign Language Main Page

BC
Online
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