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American Sign Language (Certificate)

Two sign language interpreters looking forward
Credential:
Durham College Certificate
Code:
ASL

Durham College Certificate

Program Description

This certificate provides you with an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture. Emphasis is on interpersonal communication and the functional use of language. You will learn useful vocabulary and expressions, specific grammatical features of ASL and cultural information. A variety of communicative activities such as: videos, role playing, and discussion are designed to provide you with the opportunity to practice what you have learned, as well as teach you appropriate language and cultural behaviours in various situations. This certificate provides you with the necessary skills to communicate and work with the deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.

Graduates of the program will have the skills needed to assist those working with children and adults in areas such as Early Childhood Education, Social Services Agencies, Canadian Hearing Society and Durham Deaf Services.

This certificate does not qualify you to teach ASL or act as an interpreter.

Certificate Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
    OR
    Grade 12 equivalency certificate achieved through College academic upgrading
    OR
    Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older)

  • You must maintain an overall average of 60% or a GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate
  • A minimum of 25% of courses must be completed through Durham College.

Program Of Study

Students are required to print or save a copy of the Program of Study when beginning the program. This document contains critical details about program progression and graduation requirements specific to the academic year in which your program was started.

Click to access the Program of Study for the current academic year.

Students who began this program prior to the current academic year may contact the Professional and Part-Time Learning office at ppl@durhamcollege.ca or 905-721-3052 to obtain your Program of Study and graduation requirements.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, graduates have reliably demonstrated the following learning outcomes:

  • Communicate effectively in American Sign language in both reception and expression modes
  • Use American Sign Language to converse, give instructions, and tell stories in culturally appropriate ways
  • Behave in ways consistent with a sensitivity to the culture of the deaf
  • Integrate current theories of language development and the process of stimulating language development in the deaf to the use of American Sign Language

Career Options

Potential career and industry options may include:

  • Canadian Hearing Society
  • Durham Deaf Services
  • Early childhood education
  • Social services agencies

Program Related Questions? Call 905.721.3052

If you are interested in applying for financial aid, please visit the Professional and Part-Time Learning OSAP Eligibility webpage.

Currently offered

Course Title Location/
Delivery Method
ASL 1550American Sign Language 1-Communicating with the DeafOnline
ASL 2550American Sign Language 2-Communicating with the DeafOshawa
ASL 3550American Sign Language 3-Communicating with the DeafOshawa
ASL 5552American Sign Language 5-Communicating with the DeafOshawa