American Sign Language Courses

Thanks to generous support from Calgary Learns, DHA can provide financial assistance to adults that cannot afford these programs. This assistance can be offered to residents of Calgary only at this time.

Please contact Cindy Pilz at cindyp@deafandhearalberta.ca if you need assistance.

Signing Naturally | Family Focused ASL | ASL Summer Camp | Customized Courses

Deaf Alberta offers American Sign Language (ASL) courses to individuals, groups and organizations.

All of our ASL courses are “no voice zones”, full immersion classes taught by qualified Deaf instructors, whose first language is American Sign Language. For more information on our different sign language courses, please view the links below.

Please note: the following Course Withdrawal policy applies to all of our courses:

Course Withdrawal Policy

Refunds are not issued once classes have begun.
Refunds are not issued for non-attendance.
An administrative fee of $25 will be charged for each withdrawal request. This administrative fee will be waived for a transfer to another course.
Refunds will be issued only if withdrawal is requested at least 5 business days prior to course start.
Refunds will be processed within ten business days.
A full refund will be given if a course is cancelled by Deaf Alberta
NEW in 2020: Eventbrite has begun charging a $25 administrative fee when a refund is processed. This is deducted from the refund amount. Please be aware of this when registering, and if you are considering withdrawal from a course.

Registration is now open for our Signing Naturally and Family Focused ASL Immersion Weekends! Scroll down to register.

Signing Naturally

Deaf Alberta is the premier provider of this full immersion (no voice), curriculum-based course for those wanting to learn the beauty and nuances of this visual language. Participants are able to progress in their learning through sequential levels of difficulty. The Signing Naturally series is recognized as the curriculum for serious students wishing to learn ASL, and is the first step towards becoming a sign language interpreter in Alberta.

Thanks to generous support from Calgary Learns, DHA can provide financial assistance to adults that cannot afford these programs. This support can be offered to Calgary residents only at this time.

Please contact Cindy Pilz at cindyp@deafandhearalberta.ca if you need assistance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering ONLINE Signing Naturally classes. The choices are below; click the registration link to register. Once you’ve registered you will receive information on how to access your class. You will need a laptop or computer and internet access to participate in the classes. A summary of the classes being offered is below. For more information on the levels, scroll down further to read a summary of each level.

Fee: $340 + textbook ($140) = $480 (plus GST). The textbook can be shipped for an extra cost. If you already have the textbook you do not have to buy it again.

** Choose from 10 week course (one class per week) or NEW! accelerated weekend course (over two weekends) at our Calgary office.**

**Registration for all classes is now available. Register before EARLY BIRD DEADLINE to save $50 off your registration fees.

Signing Naturally 101 (Units 1-3)

This course begins with the basics and will provide anyone with no former knowledge of ASL a basic level of competency. It covers everyday language and phrases, and includes information on Deaf culture.

Fee: $340 + textbook ($140) = $480 (plus GST)

Virtual Signing Naturally 101.
Mondays/Wednesdays, September 21 to October 26 at 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Early Bird September 1, 2020 Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, September 21 to October 26 at 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Early Bird September 1, 2020. Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, November 2 to December 11 at 9:00 am to 1130 am.
Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, November 2 to December 11 at 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Register here.

ACCELERATED Virtual Signing Naturally 101 (2 Weekends).
October 3 /4 to October 17/18 at 9:00 am to 5:15 pm
Early Bird September 18, 2020. Register here.

Calgary 10 Week Class

Date: September 15 – November 17, 2020 (Tuesdays)
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Deaf & Hear Alberta, 63 Cornell Road NW, Calgary
Register online here (Early bird deadline September 1)

Signing Naturally 102 (Units 4-6)

Level 102 continues with more vocabulary, with an increased focus on grammar and sentence structure.

$340+GST (for past participants with textbook) and $430+GST (for new participants without textbook)

Virtual Signing Naturally 102
Tuesdays/Thursdays, September 22 to October 27 at 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Early Bird September 2, 2020. Register here.

Tuesdays/Thursdays, September 22 to October 27 at 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Early Bird September 2, 2020. Register here.

Tuesdays/Thursdays, November 3 to December 3 at 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Early Bird October 20, 2020. Register here.

Tuesdays/Thursdays, November 3 to December 3 at 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Early Bird October 20, 2020. Register here.

The same textbook is used for both levels 101 and 102. If you do not have a textbook, it can be purchased from us for an additional $100. Simply choose “class plus textbook” when registering online.

Signing Naturally 103 (Units 7-9)

Signing Naturally 103 is intended for those who have completed both levels 101 and 102 and wish to advance to the next level. Vocabulary and grammar continue to be emphasized, with an increased focus on conversation. Register before deadline to receive $50 off your fee.

Fee: $375 + textbook ($140) = $515 (plus GST)

Virtual Signing Naturally 103
Mondays/Wednesdays, September 21 to October 26 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Early Bird September 1, 2020. Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, September 21 to October 26 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Early Bird September 1, 2020. Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, November 2 to December 7 at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Early Bird October 19, 2020. Register here.

Mondays/Wednesdays, November 2 to December 7 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Early Bird October 19, 2020. Register here.

Signing Naturally 104 (Units 10-12)

Fee: $375 + textbook ($140) = $515 (plus GST)

Virtual Signing Naturally 104
Tuesdays/Thursdays, November 3 to December 3 at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Early Bird October 20, 2020. Register here.

Tuesdays/Thursdays, November 3 to December 3 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Early Bird October 20, 2020. Register here.

Signing Naturally 201 (Units 13-14)

The first course in the 200 level, Signing Naturally 201 covers Units 13-14 is designed for students who have completed levels 101 through 103. Students will learn how to talk in both past and present tense, as well as engage in more abstract conversation. Register before deadline to receive $50 off your fee.

Fee: $340+ textbook ($140) = $480 (plus GST)

Next class: TBD

Signing Naturally 202 (Unit 15)

Students in level 202 (Unit 15) will continue to work on their conversational skills while learning about narrative structure and transitions. Register before deadline to receive $50 off your fee.

$340+GST (for past participants with textbook) and $480+GST (for new participants without textbook)

Next class: TBD

Signing Naturally 203 (Units 16-17)

$340+GST (for past participants with textbook) and $480+GST (for new participants without textbook). Register before deadline to receive $50 off your fee.

Next class: TBD

Signing Naturally 301

This is the first course in the 300 level, for students who have completed all levels through 203. For advanced students. Please check back for upcoming dates!

$290 + textbook ($140) = $430 plus GST

Next class: TBD

Signing Naturally 302

Next class: TBD

Signing Naturally 303

Next class: TBD

Family Focused ASL Immersion Weekends

With generous support from Calgary Learns, DHA can provide financial assistance to adults that cannot afford these programs. Please contact Cindy Pilz if you need assistance.

Family Focused ASL is exclusive to Deaf & Hear Alberta, and features common everyday language used within the family setting.

FFASL provides a unique learning environment intended for families with Deaf (or with severe or progressive hearing loss) members and professionals who work with children who are Deaf or with a developmental disability. Some professionals can also take this class to improve communication in a quick and easy format. The suggested minimum age of children is 6 years.

Thanks to our generous funders, there is no cost for this program. If you are a professional that is interested in the class, please contact Cindy Pilz.

Please note: Due to high demand for this program, please register for a session once you are sure you are available for the full session. If you register, please plan to attend as there are other people who would like your spot!

Classes begin on Friday (6:30-9 p.m.), with Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm.

Cost: No cost

Upcoming sessions:

Virtual Family Focused ASL Weekend Immersion
October 17/18 at 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Register here.

ASL Summer Camp

ASL Summer Camp is open to anyone who is keen to learn ASL for the first time, or for those with some signing skills to advanced levels. Minimum suggested age is 16 years old.

There are 3 different levels :

Basic: No American Sign Language background knowledge to minimum knowledge (0-50 signs)
Intermediate: Basic ASL skill to Intermediate (50-200 signs)
Advanced: Intermediate to Advanced skills (200 or more signs)

The format of our summer camp is different this year due to the uncertainty caused by Covid-19.

Delivery will be online.
There are 4 weeks being offered and you can choose which week you would like to join.
Deadline to register is 2 business days before the class starts.
There is no early bird registration.
Cost is $150 for 10 hours of instruction, Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Please choose one of the weeks below to register.

Customized Courses

Do you have a Deaf employee at your workplace? Does your organization work with Deaf children or adults? We can customize a course for you with a special focus on vocabulary that is particular to your organization. We recommend a minimum of 6 instructional hours.

To arrange for a customized course, contact our Manager of Deaf Services, Cindy Pilz, by email: cindyp@deafandhearalberta.ca