What we’re about
A Meet Up group dedicated to the practice, cultivation, and celebration of ASL in Toronto!
Join us if you would like to practice your ASL, help others practice ASL, or lend your native expertise (being Deaf, H.o.H., CoDA, otherwise native) to learning signers, and have fun, interesting conversations at coffee shops, restaurants, parks, the zoo, or wherever we want to celebrate and utilize this unique and beautiful language!
Please know a little more than the alphabet, and come prepared with lots of patience and enthusiasm. We're here to help one another learn, and constructively advise each other to become the best signers we can. If you're in doubt about your skill level, come out anyways, and see how you feel, and decide from the experience. A respectful, inclusive, positive environment is encouraged from all members. Conversation, with new people, through a new medium, can be exasperating, and controversial. Assume good faith, and seek to do no harm.
Feel free to organize gatherings without my lead. Just invite me, too! ;)
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Biweekly ASL Social: Learn and Connect in Sign LanguageToronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, ON
Please RSVP and show up*: It's common courtesy to let us know if you plan to attend. If there are no attendees who have RSVP'd 24-48 hours before the event, it may get canceled. Always best practice to check the Meetup website to see if this event is still running as scheduled before heading over to the venue.*
* * *Welcome to our inclusive American Sign Language (ASL) practice group! We want to emphasize that while we're excited to have participants of all ASL proficiency levels, we do not offer formal ASL instruction. To make the most of your time with us, it's essential for ASL learners to have some basic knowledge. (You can find valuable resources below to help you get started).
Our gatherings are designed for a diverse group, including native ASL speakers, teachers, interpreters, students, and those with at least a basic grasp of the ASL alphabet and a few fundamental signs. Whether you're a seasoned signer or just starting your ASL journey, we encourage you to join us!
Our primary goal is to have a good time communicating without the use of our voices. In the event of a large turnout, we may divide into smaller groups to ensure clear face-to-face conversations. Remember that perfection in ASL is not required; our group is about learning, enjoying ourselves, and refining our ASL skills while providing mutual support.
To stay updated and informed about any changes to our events, don't forget to join our Meetup group. We're thrilled to either meet you for the first time or see familiar faces, all while practicing ASL together.
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Here are some of our group's favourite Deaf-led resources to support your ASL learning journey:Free resources:
- Lifeprint / Bill Vicar's Videos: If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with Lesson 01 and progressing from there.
- Their Facebook group is also very active and resourceful.
- Online Dictionaries: For a comprehensive ASL dictionary and a variety of learning resources, check out Handspeak and SigningSavvy.com. These sites are excellent references for finding signs and understanding their meanings.
Pay-What-You-Can / Donations:
- QueerASL: This 2SLGBTQQIA+ inclusive environment focuses on creating a more accessible, affordable, and safer space for those interested in learning ASL.
Paid resources:
- For a more structured and in-depth learning experience, take ASL classes in Toronto at BRCD, GBC, or CHS, or take virtual classes from anywhere (SLC is a great one!)
- Participate in a silent weekend retreat in the spring or fall, or attend an adult ASL immersion camp in the summer, with BRCD.
- Feel free to explore on your own! There are numerous types of resources available, including the Lingvano app and private tutors on platforms like Italki (just be sure to verify that they are Deaf for an authentic learning experience).
