George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Help Build a More Inclusive Future – One Sign at a Time
Step into a career that transforms lives and breaks barriers. George Brown Polytechnic’s Deaf and Deafblind Studies programs help prepare you to become a leader in accessibility, communication, and inclusion. Whether you’re just beginning to learn American Sign Language (ASL), mastering ASL, supporting Deafblind individuals as an Intervenor, or interpreting between ASL and English in high-impact settings, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and cultural insight to help create a community where communication truly knows no limits.
Choose a career that changes lives
- The demand for qualified interpreters and intervenors has reached a critical level across Canada.
- Landmark accessibility laws - Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) and the Accessible Canada Act (2019) have expanded opportunities nationwide.
- There is a growing need for skilled professionals to support communication, access, and inclusion for Deaf and Deafblind communities.
You'll study American Sign Language and English and depending on your program of study, will develop an understanding of Deaf and/or Deafblind culture or ASL-English Interpreting. Our graduates are equipped to make a lasting impact working in the public and private sectors.
Learn more about our programs below.
Ready to apply?
Apply now and start in September 2026
- American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (Online) (C144) — a one-year online certificate program that will introduce you to the language and culture of the Deaf community. This program is open to Deaf and non-Deaf students.
- Deafblind & Intervenor Studies (C158) — a one-year certificate that will train you to work with Deafblind individuals. This program starts in September each year.
- Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language - English) (C302) — a four-year degree that will train you to work as a professional American Sign Language (ASL) - English interpreter. This program is open to Deaf and non-Deaf students. This program qualifies for an entrance scholarship. Visit our entrance scholarships page for details.
Why choose the School of Deaf & Deafblind Studies?
- George Brown Polytechnic was the first Canadian college to offer a Deafblind Intervenor certificate program.
- American Sign Language & Deaf Studies (Online) (C144) is unique in Ontario.
- Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language - English) (C302) is the first and only degree of its kind in Canada and only program in Ontario.
- Help make information more accessible to the Deaf and Deafblind.
- Experience variety in your work
- A career as an interpreter or intervenor offers diverse and meaningful experiences. Professionals in this field support accessible communication for individuals across the lifespan—from children to seniors—in every area of life. Our graduates have gone on to work as interpreters in government, management, and a variety of other roles.
- Connect with sector partners like the Canadian Hearing Services, CNIB Foundation, Ontario Association of the Deaf, Deafblind International, Silent Voice, Toronto Sign Language Interpreter Service and more.
Have a question about one of our programs? Email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca
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International Students
Contact our International Admissions team or book an online appointment with a George Brown Polytechnic recruitment representative specializing in your country of origin.