Introduction to ASL (with health care focus)

Course Philosophy:
American Sign Language is like any other language: French, Italian, Spanish, German; however, unlike these languages, ASL has no written form. Nevertheless, ASL is comprised of rich body language and facial expressions. As a vital commodity in Canada, the health care system has its share of contact with Deaf/hard-of-hearing patients. Due to communication barriers, the Deaf community has often struggled with the health care system. This course will teach you the basic steps of developing interactive skills as a health care provider when you face Deaf/hard-of-hearing patients. You will find this course both fun and interesting. 

Course Objectives
  1. To analyze and comprehend ASL fingerspelling, vocabulary, hand-shapes and gestures in order to develop communication skills.
  2. To understand Deaf/hard-of-hearing patients’ experiences in the health care system.
  3. To gain basic knowledge about the Deaf community and culture.

Click here for the complete syllabus.
"I can hands-down tell you that this class changed my perspective on many many things. Having the chance to learn more about Deaf culture through this short, yet informative ASL classes was really eye-opening. I can confidently say that this workshop will teach you values beyond basic ASL language. You will learn how to better integrate body language use when engaging in a discussion with a patient and make you realize that this sort of knowledge can effectively be used way beyond the context of addressing yourself to a Deaf person (for example, when speaking to a patient who does not understand English nor French or when when trying to talk with a pediatric patient- kids will appreciate your use of body language and expressive signs over complicated medical jargon). Therefore, I HIGHLY encourage everyone who has the chance to join this class to do so (it fills up fast though)."  - Oana Jumanca (McGill Medical Student, Class of 2020)
Winter 2020 Session​
Course Duration (5 weeks):
Class #1: Tuesday, Jan 21st, room 131B (3rd floor library)
Class #2: Tuesday, Jan 28th, room 131B (3rd floor library)
Class #3: Tuesday, Feb 4th, room 131B (3rd floor library)
Class #4: Tuesday, Feb 11th, room 131B (3rd floor library)
Class #5: Tuesday, Feb 18th, room 206/207 (2nd floor)

Duration: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm 
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Location:
McIntyre Medical Building
3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler,
Montreal, QC H3G 0B1

Instructor: Jack Volpe
Cost: $70 for the course      Capacity 14 students.

Registration is now open. Please click here to register.
Please note that registration is first come first serve, thank you.

A confirmation email will be sent to you once you register successfully. 
Please email admin@seeingvoicesmontreal.com if you have any questions.