Sign Language

american Sign language (ASL)

At the Deaf Children's Society, we believe in the value of American Sign Language (ASL).  There are many benefits associated with signing with children. For example, sign language:

*accelerates early language learning

*strengthens caregiver-child bonds

*promotes intellectual development and visual spatial skills

*reinforces memory and creative skills

*empowers children to communicate

in-home sign language classes

Sign language classes are provided to the family and extended family in the family home or at the child's community daycare or preschool.  These fun and enjoyable lessons are offered on a weekly or bi-weekly basis according to the family's needs. Our qualified deaf instructors will provide sign lessons that meet the day-to-day communicative needs of the family, with basic sign language vocabulary to start, working up to sentences and stories.  Sign language instruction is also available on an Outreach basis, where available.

preschool sign classes

Usually, once a week, at the preschool, parents and extended family members and friends may join a 90 minute sign language class that reflects the themes occurring in the preschool that week.  These classes offer basic vocabulary and dialogue skills through games, interaction and direct instruction.  Check our event schedule for times and dates.

community sign language

The Deaf Children's Society often works in partnership with the Burnaby Continuing Education Centre to provide night school classes in basic and intermediate classes in ASL.  For more information about these courses, contact the DCS office: 604 525 6056 (v)

DCS will also offer, for a fee, onsite sign language classes for companies and organizations wishing to better serve the deaf community and/or who employ deaf individuals.  Contact the main office to find out more.