Did you know? Learning American Sign Language (ASL) as a family enables families to communicate more clearly and feel more connected. Signing together supports understanding, reduces frustration, and encourages children to feel confident expressing themselves. It also strengthens skills like problem-solving, emotional awareness, and positive communication.
Learning ASL as a family allows Deaf and Hard of Hearing family members to feel included in everyday activities and conversations. It also introduces families to Deaf culture and encourages respect, inclusion, and acceptance. Overall, learning ASL supports strong language skills and supports children in succeeding at home, at school, and in the community.
Our Family ASL sessions give families an opportunity to learn ASL together while building stronger connections. Each session is designed to meet your family’s needs, no matter your current ASL experience. Sessions can include learning basic signs, expanding vocabulary, practicing sentences, and building ASL storytelling skills. Families learn through hands-on, interactive activities that make practicing ASL fun and engaging.
This program is for all types of families. Some families use ASL as a first language, some as part of a bilingual approach, and others are learning signs to support communication with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing family member. We know every family is different, and the Deaf or Hard of Hearing family member could be a child, parent, grandparent, sibling, or extended relative. We recognize and value every family’s ASL journey.
Best of all, you decide when, where, and how to learn ASL! Sessions can take place virtually or in your home at times that work best for you. This flexibility helps families build stronger, more meaningful connections with their Deaf and Hard of Hearing family members.
For who?
Families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing family member(s)
Length
10 one-hour long sessions
Fee
$600
Subsidized Fee
$200
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Questions?
Send us a message and we will respond within 3 to 5 business days.
FAQs
Q: Why are there two different prices listed for the ASL program?
A: We offer two pricing options: a subsidized rate and the full program cost. The subsidized rate is made possible through funding to help make ASL classes more accessible for families.
Because demand is high, each family can use the subsidized rate once per fiscal year (April 1 – March 31) to ensure fair access for everyone. If your family has already used the subsidized rate during that time, any additional registrations will be charged at the full program cost.
Q: My child is Deaf or Hard of Hearing and under 6 years old. Are there more specialized ASL services available for our family?
A: Yes! Families with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child under age 6 may qualify for free ASL services through Ontario’s Infant Hearing Program (IHP). These services focus on early language development and offer more comprehensive and individualized support than our Family ASL sessions.
We encourage families who are eligible to reach out to their IHP team to learn more and explore these services as a helpful resource for their child’s language growth. You can find more information about IHP ASL Services on the XXX page. To request a referral, please contact your IHP team members.
Q: Can families without a DHH family member, or those with a nonverbal family member, enroll in the Family ASL program?
A: Yes! Families without a Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH) family member, or those with nonverbal family member who want to learn ASL, are also welcome to join our program. These families can register, but they will be charged the full program cost, as the subsidized rate is reserved for families with DHH members.