Admission
Requirements and Fees
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See more information about Specific Admission Requirements for American Sign Language
- English Interpreter program.
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills and attitudes (such as being able to work independently,
participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic
achievement. Applicants should have thoroughly developed these skills and attitudes before beginning their college programs.
List of Courses
Applicant Questionnaire (pdf*)
OUR PROGRAM
This program will prepare students to work as effective sign language interpreters facilitating communication between Deaf and non-Deaf people. The ASL-English curriculum combines theoretical and practical learning experiences that will further develop the students’ linguistic knowledge and understanding of the two languages, as well as their awareness of Deaf and non-Deaf cultures.
Students will have the benefit of a variety of learning environments, including the classroom, laboratory practice and field placements. Skills are applied during field placements that take place throughout the three years of the program. The program combines theory and practical experience, allowing participants to learn specialized techniques of interpreting in a variety of settings. Further learning is enhanced through field excursions and guest speakers currently involved in the field.
Mission Statement
To prepare graduates to work as competent, bilingual-bicultural, professional and ethical ASL – English Interpreters in a variety of settings with diverse individuals while respecting the socio-linguistic preferences of these individuals;
To prepare graduates to participate within the field of ASL-English interpretation, through work as practitioners, involvement with professional organizations, continuous learning and involvement within the communities they serve.
Our Vision
George Brown College, ASL-English Interpreter Program faculty’s vision is to be the program of choice, providing excellence in teaching and learning so that graduates are able to facilitate access and empowerment throughout society.
The ASL-English Interpreter Program is proud to highlight several stakeholder groups and partnerships that provide excellent opportunities for our students to garner authentic experiences while attending the program and post graduation. Enhancement of interpreting and ASL proficiencies and experiences are generously supported by the Deaf community and by Deaf and interpreter practicum supervisors and associations.
Our Program Advisory Members include stakeholders from The Ontario Association of the Deaf (OAD), Silent Voice Canada, The Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters (OASLI), The Canadian Hearing Society - Ontario Interpreting Services (CHS-OIS), The Provincial Schools of the Deaf and program Alumni.
Program partnerships include:
The Royal Ontario Museum - providing ASL accessible tours
http://www.rom.on.ca/
The Art Gallery of Ontario - providing ASL accessible tours http://www.ago.net/asl-interpreted-tours1
The Canadian Hearing Society, Workforce Literacy Program
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
This program has specific requirements for admission. Applicants are required to demonstrate advanced American Sign Language skills and an understanding of the Deaf community and the field of sign language interpreting. As such, we require applicants to already possess a minimum of 200 hours of ASL instruction prior to application. These competencies are best acquired through the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies certificate or equivalent.
Demonstration of proficiency in both English and ASL will be done through required screening sessions.
Applicants are required to view the program website at georgebrown.ca/aslprep prior to screening. Please contact the program co-ordinator for further information.
Students are required to own or have regular access to a camcorder for practice and assignments.
Note: In compliance with requests from our student placement partners, all students in this program must have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may be unable to complete their field placement and, therefore, be unable to complete the program.
PART-TIME STUDY OPTIONS
George Brown College also offers evening courses in basic American Sign Language. Visit coned.georgebrown.ca.
YOUR CAREER
Graduates will be qualified for careers as entry-level sign language interpreters with social service agencies, government contracts, community residential settings, specialized school programs and institutions. Most sign language interpreters are self-employed.
 “Achieving a basic understanding of a rich new language, culture and community in three short years was awe-inspiring. This program, with its
focus on skill development and cultural awareness, provided me with the tools to grow professionally. As an interpreter, I am constantly challenged and
exposed to many different environments. I am fortunate to have the foundation of the American Sign Language-English Interpreter program. I love my career,
and am excited to find out where it takes me.”
Mike Glover (2003 graduate, ASL-English Interpreter)
 Anna Lee takes her job as an American Sign Language-English interpreter very seriously and for good reason. In 1997, she was part of
a pioneering program at George Brown College that set out to produce interpreters who could mediate across languages and cultures. By immersing students
in Deaf culture through various field placements, the American Sign Language-English Interpreter program at George Brown allowed Lee and her classmates
to learn a new language along with all of its cultural aspects.
"ASL is a visual language. You really need to see and feel the work being done. Then you
need to come back to the classroom and talk about it. It’s a constant cycle of learning,” she says.
Anna Lee (2000 graduate, ASL-English Interpreter)
Courses
SEMESTER 1
SIGN1002 Introduction to the Profession
GSSC1103 Deaf Studies
SIGN1004 Syntax of ASL I
SIGN1050 Theories of Interpretation
SIGN1051 English Processing and Translation
SIGN1052 ASL Processing and Translation
COMM1022 English Foundations for ASL Students
SEMESTER 2
SIGN1007 ASL Practicum and Seminar I
SIGN1054 Consecutive Interpreting I
SIGN1013 Issues and Trends in Deaf Community
SIGN1015 Syntax of ASL II
COMM1007 College English
COMP1082 Computer Skills and Applications
SEMESTER 3
SIGN2024 Consecutive Interpreting II
GSCI1041 Wellness and Work
SIGN2001 Semantics of ASL I
SIGN2023 Values, Ethics and Professional Issues
COMM1122 Elements of English Linguistics
GNED General Education Elective
SEMESTER 4
SIGN2026 Simultaneous Interpreting I
SIGN2008 Semantics of ASL II
SIGN2018 Interpreting Practicum and Seminar I
COMM1153 Sociolinguistics for ASL Students
GNED General Education Elective
SEMESTER 5
SIGN3021 ASL Discourse I
SIGN3022 Simultaneous Interpreting II
SIGN3023 Interpreting Practicum and Seminar II
SIGN3015 Entrepreneurial Skills for Interpreters
SEMESTER 6
SIGN3010 Interpreting in Specialized Settings
SIGN3024 Interpreting Practicum and Seminar III
SIGN3025 Simultaneous Interpreting III
Curriculum under review. Course titles and sequence subject to change with limited notice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call the George Brown School of Deaf and Deafblind Studies at 416-415-5000, ext. 2185 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
E-mail:
SCHOOL OF DEAF AND DEAFBLIND STUDIES INFO SESSIONS
Register for a free information session for a chance to:
- talk to faculty in greater detail
- check out our ASL lab
- explore our St. James Campus
The School of Deaf and Deafblind Studies hosts bi-monthly information sessions.
Visit our website for current dates and times.
georgebrown.ca/infosessions
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
To view our Virtual Tour, visit georgebrown.ca/vt
ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS
The American Sign Language-English Interpreter program (C110) at George Brown College’s School of Deaf and Deafblind Studies assists students in establishing their careers as Interpreters. Through offering this program for several years, George Brown has identified key attributes of students who have become successful graduates and practicing Interpreters. We believe these attributes are signals for success and can be grouped into three categories:
- COMMUNICATION SKILLS
- INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
- ATTITUDE AND PERSPECTIVE
For each attribute, we’ve provided examples of how they may be applied while studying in the program and working in the field. As you review the list, consider how your own personal strengths align with these success factors.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Key attributes |
Examples of how attributes are demonstrated |
Excellent language skills
Balanced bilingual skills in ASL and English
Mastery in understanding culture and language
Respect for and sensitivity to a multicultural environment
Sense of commitment to both communities (Deaf and interpreting) |
Able to articulate one’s ideas appropriately within a given context, suitably conveying thoughts and discourse. This includes developing the skills to effectively compare and contrast elements of ASL and English.
|
As a bilingual and bicultural Interpreter (one who is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English and who understands both the Deaf and North American mainstream cultures and communities) you will find the quality of your interpretations is enhanced by your communication skills. This will assist you in achieving message equivalency between ASL and English. |
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Key attributes |
Examples of how attributes are demonstrated |
Comfortable exhibiting abilities in front of others |
As a student, you are actively participating in classroom and lab activities that further develop your skills. Since ASL is a visual language, you will develop a comfort level showing signing and interpreting abilities in front of others. |
As an Interpreter, you will be comfortable and look forward to assignments in a variety of settings. |
Comfortable in groups
Excellent teamwork skills
Superior interpersonal and intrapersonal skills |
During the program, you will be able to work well with peers on group assignments and present findings to the whole class. |
As a student working with peers, you are able to effectively problem solve and negotiate work distribution when engaged in a peer activity. |
In the field, you will welcome opportunities to work with a variety of people in contexts such as conferences and workshop settings, educational environments and community-based events. |
As an Interpreter, your assignments require you to negotiate access and business practices with both consumers and colleagues. |
Patient |
While in the program, you will appreciate that being an Interpreter is a skills-based profession that requires time to develop language and interpreting proficiencies. |
As an Interpreter, you will be able to put others at ease by demonstrating patience with processes and achieving articulation of thoughts. |
Aware of our role and behaviour on the perception/experience of consumers involved |
As a student, you will gain appreciation of power imbalances and the importance of your role as an ally. You will be able to apply this understanding during your practicum. |
Awareness and adherence to the role of an ethical and professional Interpreter garners respect in the communities to which you provide services, ultimately leading to more offers of assignments. |
ATTITUDE AND PERSPECTIVE
Key attributes |
Examples of how attributes are demonstrated |
Flexible |
As a student, you will be able to handle changes requested by the program or communities where you are practicing your skills. |
In the field, you will be able to accommodate last-minute consumer requests or unplanned events. This will increase opportunities for enhanced consumer satisfaction and future employment assignments. |
Able to handle stress (physically and mentally) |
You will be able to interpret or use ASL when performing in front of peers, or when being recorded on video. You will also be able to effectively schedule your time to finish assignments and tests, and meet practicum expectations. |
As an Interpreter, you will be able to manage assignments and logistics while successfully meeting consumer needs and demands. |
Able to think quickly
Good analytical skills |
Your critical thinking skills in the classroom will allow you to apply theories and interpreting processes to class activities and lab work. |
Simultaneous interpreting requires you to be able to take in a message, process for meaning and relay that information in a different format, while still attending to incoming information. |
In the field, you’ll use critical analytical skills by evaluating the environment, assessing the audience and processing messages for meaning in order to determine an equivalent meaning in your interpretation. |
Aware of biases |
You will be aware of your personal biases and how they create barriers to learning about and accepting other cultures and languages. |
As an Interpreter, you will be able to remain neutral and unbiased throughout assignments so that you can allow for a faithful interpretation. |
Confidence |
Confidence is needed to be willing to try activities when prompted by faculty and community members. |
As an Interpreter, possessing strong self-confidence, without displaying arrogance, will enhance your opportunities for work and interpreting abilities as consumers will feel secure in your poise and their belief in your interpreting proficiency. |
Creative |
Course assignments will provide you with opportunities to apply your understanding of the material by presenting or representing content in a variety of ways. |
When issues arise during an assignment, you will look for opportunities to enhance your problem-solving skills and build expertise in your field. |
Curious |
As a student, you will proactively ask questions of faculty to understand the evolution of the communities and the field. This will help build a strong understanding of your role. |
Interpreters need to be well rounded and knowledgeable to understand the variety of contextual variables involved in interpreting interactions. |
Desire and commitment to lifelong learning
Ambitious / Goal-oriented
Self-motivated |
As a student, you will access college and program resources, as well as external sources, to enhance your learning and understanding of the field. |
In the program, you will regularly seek opportunities outside of the classroom to practice and improve by attending community functions, volunteering events, etc. |
As an Interpreter, you will take advantage of professional development opportunities. You will recognize that furthering your education enhances the ability to synthesize contextual variables while interpreting. |
As an Interpreter, you will consider yourself as a life-long learner who regularly seeks professional development opportunities to enhance interpreting proficiencies. |
Empathic |
In the program, you will develop an understanding of the Deaf experience as a collective. This will improve your ability to understand and support peers while being challenged by program demands. |
As an Interpreter, you will be able to see another person’s perspective, which will enable you to provide a more accurate interpretation of the person’s discourse. |
Willing to work hard |
As a student, you will enhance your emerging ASL and interpreting skills by regularly investing extra time and effort to practice and improve. |
As an Interpreter, you will continually strive to provide superior interpretations by preparing for assignments, analyzing work post-assignment, looking for ways to enhance abilities and mentoring student interpreters. This effort will lead you to become more skilled and knowledgeable as an Interpreter and in your profession. |
Outgoing |
As a student, you will have the ability to engage and work with peers. Your outgoing nature will also be displayed in your ability to show interest while on practicum with supervisors. |
As an Interpreter, you will regularly be seen to demonstrate interpersonal attributes and friendliness towards colleagues and consumers. |
Open-minded |
As a student, your willingness to accept constructive feedback regarding your abilities from both faculty and peers is essential. Understanding the differing points of view of classmates and faculty will aid in your ability to understand alternative experiences or viewpoints. |
As an Interpreter, the willingness to accept new or differing opinions and experiences from consumers aids in interpretation by enabling us to understand the message from their perspective. This would also allow one to incorporate feedback from the interpreting team and the consumers. |
Able to recognize one’s limitations |
As a student, you will seek out and utilize extra supports as you need them. |
In the field, you will know which assignments to accept based on your skills and experience. |
Able to self-analyze |
As a student, you will conduct self-assessments of interpreting or ASL performances to identify areas of success and where you have challenges that need to be addressed. |
As an Interpreter, you will be able to determine message equivalency during an interpretation. This will enable you to immediately correct errors in interpretation. |
Self-reliant and reliable |
In the program, you will demonstrate your ability to problem solve and to look for independent means to supplement your learning outside of the classroom. |
In the field, you will likely be among the majority of Interpreters who are sole-proprietors/independent contractors. If so, you will need to provide your services effectively without relying on others. Consumers will appreciate your reputation for providing accurate interpretations and attendance to assignments when booked. |
Able to apply life experiences |
You will be able to apply your life experiences to appreciate context when applying interpreting processes to events and scenarios. |
As an Interpreter, your prior “world” knowledge and experiences will aid in your ability to appreciate discourse at a deeper level of contextual understanding. Your experiences with relationships and systems will assist you in:
- communicating with a variety of people at various levels of authority
- navigating or being familiar with society, systems, processes and cultures
- reading between the lines to understand underlying messages
|
Maturity and responsibility / sense of professionalism |
As a student, you will be able to meet program demands and adhere to timelines. |
As an Interpreter, you will be a professional who adheres to the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct. |
For updated information and course descriptions, call 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
George Brown College is continually striving to improve its programs and their delivery. The information contained in
this calendar is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying
George Brown College admission, graduation, and fee requirements as well as any requirements of outside institutions, industry associations, or other
bodies that may award additional designations concurrently with, or after completions of, a George Brown College program.
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