Beginner’s Conversational American Sign Language

CHHA-Edmonton offers two beginner level Conversational American Sign language classes:

Level ‘A’ is for adults with little or no signing background. This is an introductory class with a focus on signing the alphabet, numbers, commonly used pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and simple phrase of two or three words . Learning how to finger spell word and combine words without having to sign each letter.  It is visual language using fingers and hands to communicate.

Level ‘B’ is for adults who have completed Beginner Level ‘A’ or have previous signing and can demonstrate some ability in using their hands to sign.  This class focuses on conversation using simple phrases and sentences moving away from signing each letter of a word.

Note: To take Level ‘B’, you must know how to sign numbers, alphabet, colours, pronouns, short phrases as well as hand shapes and animated movements.  This level will increase your confidence by learning that it takes ongoing comprehension, receptive and expressive signing skills to learn ASL.

CHHA-Edmonton classes are NOT for credit – they are for communication and general interest.

Refund Policy:

We require 10 business days notice on all class cancellations prior to the date of the first class. All cancellations will be refunded by cheque, and subject to a $15 administration fee. There will be no refunds granted after the second class of the Course, unless the student notifies us of the cancellation before the date of the third scheduled class. The refund will be subject to the $15 administration fee AND the cost of the first two classes. No refunds will be issued after the scheduled date of the third class of the Course. You will be required to acknowledge you have read and understood our Refund Policy when you register. 

Registration Transfers & Fees:

Registration is intended for the specific session selected at the time of purchase. Requests to transfer a registration to a future term are subject to approval and available capacity. Due to the administrative and overhead costs incurred by our non-profit at the start of each term, all approved transfers will be subject to a $15 administrative fee. Transfers must be requested prior to [insert deadline, e.g., the second week of class.

Attendance & Weather Policy

Commitment to the Session: Our ASL courses are structured as a complete 8-week program. Because CHHA-Edmonton is a small non-profit with limited resources, we are unable to offer credits, refunds, or “make-up” sessions in future terms for classes missed due to personal circumstances, travel, or typical seasonal weather. Each registration fee directly supports the costs of the specific session in which you are enrolled.

Inclement Weather: We live in Alberta, and we know the weather can be unpredictable!

• Standard Weather: If it is snowing but roads remain open and transit is running, classes will proceed as scheduled.
• Official Cancellations: In the event of extreme or unsafe weather conditions, CHHA-Edmonton will officially cancel the class and notify students via email. In these rare cases, we will add a “make-up” week to the end of the current 8-week schedule to ensures no instruction time is lost.

Catching Up: If you do miss a class, we encourage you to check in with your instructor at the next session. While they cannot re-teach the full hour, they can provide a brief overview of the topics covered so you can stay on track with the group.

Parking Information for ASL Students

Parking Policy: Please be advised that while our ASL classes are held at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, CHHA-Edmonton is a guest of the facility. We are a small non-profit, and we utilize this space because it is generously provided to us at low cost. This allows us to keep our course fees as affordable as possible for the community.

Because we do not own or manage the hospital grounds, we are unable to provide free parking, subsidies, or discounted parking vouchers. All students, instructors, and organizers are responsible for their own parking and transportation costs. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure a spot in the hospital parkade or to find nearby street parking where available.

Thank you for your understanding and for supporting our mission to provide accessible communication programs in Edmonton.