FULL-TIME | WINNIPEG LOCATIONS ASLEF-AD ASL - English Interpretation

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Overview

  • 3-year program
  • Full-time
  • Fall entry date
  • Notre Dame Campus, Winnipeg
  • American Sign Language (ASL) fluency is required. Please see Admission Requirements for more information.
  • If you have a criminal record or are listed on a Child Abuse Registry or Adult Abuse Registry, you may not be able to complete this program. See Program Progression Requirements for more information.
  • Please note that fees for this program have not been finalized. Fee information will be posted on Locations, Dates and Fees when available.
Description
Red River College Polytech ASL-English Interpretation program provides a foundation for fluency in American Sign Language (ASL), as well as Deaf history and culture, interpreting theory, with practice in interpretation both in class and in the field. We pride ourselves on graduating students with a well-rounded entry-level skill set of both the practical skills of interpreting and the academic skills that students require to be employed as an ASL-English Interpreter. Attitude, attendance, hard work, and participation are some of the key elements of program success. Our graduates’ success demonstrates that students at RRC Polytech are prepared interpreters who are true professionals that are leading fulfilling careers serving the Deaf and non-Deaf community.

In addition to proficiency in American Sign Language, you will learn:
  • Cultural differences between Deaf and hearing people
  • How to identify ethical dilemmas and how to mitigate issues as they arise
  • Communication skills that are integral to ASL-English Interpreters
  • Cognitive skills essential for Interpreting for a variety of consumers both Deaf and hearing
  • To facilitate interactions between Deaf and non-Deaf people
Our program will prepare you to work as an entry-level interpreter in settings ranging from K-12 public schools to colleges, businesses, and social services. You will work in multiple small and large groups, either in classes and/or community settings. In addition, successful completion of our program prepares you to take the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam. Currently, the demand for interpreters is high.

Following graduation, you will be prepared to:  
  • Work as a professional ASL-English interpreter 
  • Use business skills and your professional portfolio to work as an interpreter in private practice or for an agency.
  • Identify the cultural and linguistic needs of clients to make appropriate ethical decisions related to each setting.
  • Work with members of the Deaf/blind community
  • Provide entry-level interpreting in areas, such as:
    • Video Relay Services
    • Social service
    • Education
    • Faith-based entities
    • Community services

Admission Requirements

Your Academic History
If your academic history includes any of the following, please visit My Education for important information: post-secondary studies at an institution other than Red River College Polytechnic; Modified (M), English as an Additional Language (E), or GED high school courses; or home schooling; international secondary (high school) studies.
The college requires transcripts verifying your complete academic history including any public or private high school, college, university, or technical institute you have attended.
Please check the Program Overview page, to see if this program is for Manitoba residents only.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Upload Through Your Future Student Account

  • Scan your document(s) and save the file. Ensure you keep your original documents as the College may request to see them at any time.
  • Go to apply.rrc.ca and log in.
  • Click on your application, then Supplemental Items & Documents.

If you do not have a Future Student Account or require assistance, please contact our Student Service Centre at 204-632-2327.

Internationally Educated Applicants - visit www.rrc.ca/credentials for credential assessment information.

Submission of required documentation indicating proof of completion of admission requirements is due within 15 days of applying unless otherwise noted in the program's admission requirements.

However, if you apply within 6 weeks of the program start date, admission requirements are due within 5 days of applying.

Regular Admission Requirements

  1. Grade 12
    • Submit proof of graduation from or enrolment in Grade 12, including one credit of:
      • Grade 12 English (40S) with a minimum grade of 75%.

        and
  2. English Language Requirements (ELRs)
    • Answer this question to determine if you meet this program’s ELRs:
      Have I successfully completed 3 years of full-time high school (secondary) education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country where English was the language of instruction?
      • If YES, you meet English language requirements.  Apply and then submit your transcripts* for review
        or
      • If NO, submit proof of meeting an ELRs option.  If you choose the English language assessment option, review this program's approved assessments and required levels.
        or 
      • If you completed all of your education in Canada, the United States, or an ELR exempt country in English but you did not graduate high school, submit your transcripts* for review. 
    • * If your transcripts are from the USA or an ELR exempt country, we will assess an International Credentials Assessment Fee to be paid before your transcripts will be reviewed.

                 and
  3. Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
  4. Basic proficiency in American Sign Language 
    • Submit successful completion of one of the following within the last three years:
      • Evidence of American Sign Language competency as shown by the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) with a minimum score of 2.0. ASLPI ratings older than one year will not be accepted for admission into the program. **Note: All ASLPI testing is handled by Sign Language Institutes Canada. Visit here for more information about the interview and to schedule an appointment.

Mature Student Admission Requirements
If you are 19 years of age or older and have been out of high school for a minimum of one year at time of application, and you do not meet the regular admission requirements, you may apply under the Mature Student admission requirements.

  1. Meet Regular Admission Requirements 2, 3, and 4

Program Progression Requirements
Program progression requirements are not due within 15 days of applying and should be submitted after you start classes.

  • Criminal Record and Adult and Child Abuse Checks
    • This program requires students to submit current original/official versions of one or more of the following checks:
      • Criminal Record Check (CRC)
      • Provincial Child Abuse Registry Check (CAR)
      • Adult Abuse Registry Check (AAR)
    • If you have a criminal record you may not be able to complete the program
    • If you are listed on an Abuse Registry you will not be able to complete the program
    • For details on this program's requirements, when to obtain and submit the documents, review the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents Form
    • These documents have expiration dates and should not be obtained prior to timeline indicated on the Applicant Declaration for Check Documents form
    • For general information on why RRC requires these checks and for links to check providers such as the Winnipeg Police, visit our Criminal Record Checks webpage
    • Submit your check documents to the RRC program contact listed on the Contact Information section of your program

English Language Assessments


Approved English Language Assessments

English Language Assessment Minimum Scores for Certificates, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, and Post Graduate Certificates, Post-graduate Diplomas Minimum Scores for Bachelor Degrees and Creative Communication (excluding Nursing) Minimum Scores for Applicable Health Related Programs***
CAEL Online or In-Person Overall band score of 60 Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60 Overall band score of 70 and Writing of 60††
IELTS Academic Level Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5
Password Skills Overall 6.0 and No band below 5.5 Overall 6.5 and No band below 6.0 Overall 7.0 and No band below 6.5††
LINC Certificate 7 8 Successful completion of Communication for Health Care Professions††
Duolingo Language Test 115 and above+ with a min. of 95 in each section 125 and above with a min. of 100 in each section N/A††
New English for Academic and Professional Purposes Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) Successful completion of the program 5 (min 70%) N/A††
PTE 54 overall
Min 50 in each skill
60 overall
Min 55 in each skill band
N/A††
TOEFL-ibt Academic Level 80
(20L, 20S, 19R, 21W)
90
(22L, 22S, 22R, 24W)
98
(24L, 23S, 24R, 27W)
Academic English Program for University and College Entrance Program (AEPUCE) Successful Completion Successful Completion N/A††
CELBAN N/A N/A 8, 8, 8, 7††

The Duolingo Language Test will no longer be an approved English proficiency test for applications to the Bachelor of Nursing and Allied Health Programs

††These English Language Assessments will not be accepted by Medical Laboratory Sciences

***Applicable Health Related Programs:

  • Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography – Echocardiography
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonography – Ultrasound
  • Health Information Management
  • Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences
    Only accepts the following English language proficiency tests:
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • TOEFL iBT
    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • IELTS – AC
    • Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST)
  • Medical Radiologic Technology
  • MRI and Spectroscopy
  • Nurse Prescriber Reproductive Health/STBBI
  • Nurse Prescriber Travel Health
  • Nurse Re-Entry
  • Nursing
  • Nursing – Licensed Practical Nurse to BN Pathway
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Paramedicine – Advanced Care
  • Paramedicine – Primary Care Paramedic

Who Should Enrol?

If you possess above-average language skills in American Sign Language (ASL) and English and have a genuine interest in the study of languages within cultural contexts, then consider enrolling in the AEIP. Our rigorous program teaches students how to work with diverse populations through skill development and practicum settings in preparation for managing intercultural signed language-spoken language interpreting processes.

Before you enroll, are you someone who…:
  • has a strong understanding of English.
  • has a good understanding of ASL.
  • can receive and incorporate feedback from others. 
  • is willing to self-reflect.
  • is comfortable interacting with diverse populations in a variety of settings.
  • is at ease standing up in front of others for presentations. 
  • is well-organized and has strong time management skills.
  • has physical stamina and dexterity.
  • acts responsibly and with integrity.
  • can think critically and independently.
  • works well in a teamed environment. 
  • is calm in stressful situations.
  • has excellent recall/memory skills.
  • can demonstrate good judgment and is aware of one’s own limits and needs.
If this is you, would you describe yourself as a person who…
  • has a passion for both ASL and English?
  • can communicate effectively with a diverse variety of people?
  • is comfortable working in multicultural settings?
…then becoming a professional interpreter may be the career for you.

Locations, Dates and Fees

Next Estimated Term 1 Start Date (subject to change)

Location Start Date Apply Link
Notre Dame Campus Aug 25, 2025 Apply Now

Students may apply for financial assistance through the Manitoba Student Aid program. For general information on applying please call 204-945-6321 or 1-800-204-1685, or visit their website at www.manitobastudentaid.ca, which also includes an online application. For detailed information, please visit one of the RRC Polytech Student Service Centres or call 204-632-2327. Applicants requiring financial assistance should complete their student loan applications well in advance of the class start date.

Program Outline

Year 1 Term 1 – In this term, you will develop ASL fluency, enhance your communication skills, and explore the culture and history of Deaf people and their community.
  • ASLD-1009 Advanced ASL 1
  • ASLD-1016 Introduction to Deaf Studies
  • ASLD-1017 ASL Lab 1
  • ASLD-1019 Introduction to Interpretation
  • COMM-1173 Communication Strategies
Year 1 Term 2 - In this term, you will develop pre-interpreting skills, reflect on ethics, explore self-care and advance ASL fluency while exploring cognitive processing for effective interpreting.
  • ASLD-2009 Advanced ASL 2
  • ASLD-2017 ASL Lab 2
  • ASLD-2021 Cross Cultural Interaction
  • ASLD-2022 Pre-interpreting Skills
  • ASLD-2023 Special Topics in Interpreting 1
Year 1 Term 3 – In this term, you will develop pre-interpreting skills, reflect on ethicals, explore self-care and advance ASL fluency while exploring cognitive processing for efffective interpreting.
  • ASLD-3004 Deaf Community Exploration
  • ASLD-3022 Pre-interpreting Skills 2
Year 2 Term 4 – In this term, you will enhance interpretation skills in consecutive interpreting, explore ethical decision-making, and gain insights through observations with experienced interpreters.
  • ASLD-3006 Ethical Practices 1
  • ASLD-3007 Consecutive Interpreting
  • ASLD-3008 Foundation of Interpreting Practice 1
  • ASLD-4009 Advanced ASL 3
  • ASLD-4023 Special Topics in Interpreting 2
Year 2 Term 5 – In this term, you will enhance ethical conduct, boost ASL fluency in various settings, build ASL literacy, and advance interpretation skills to include interpreting simultaneously.
  • ASLD-4006 Ethical Practices 2
  • ASLD-4010 Simultaneous Interpreting
  • ASLD-5009 Advanced ASL 4
  • ASLD-5011 ASL for Interpreters 1
  • ASLD-5012 ASL Literature
Year 2 Term 6 – In this term, you will apply theories and techniques through observations of professional interpreters while recognizing and understanding diverse experiences of Indigenous people.
  • ASLD-4008 Foundation of Interpreting Practice 2
  • HUMA-1004 Context for Practice with Indigenous People
Year 3 Term 7 – In this term, you will explore advanced ethical issues, enhance ASL skills in interpreter settings, engage in simulated and live interpretations, and analyze performances in seminar.
  • ASLD-5006 Ethical Practices 3
  • ASLD-5008 Foundation of Interpreting Practice 3
  • ASLD-5013 Applied Interpreting
  • ASLD-5014 Interpretation Analysis
  • ASLD-6011 ASL for Interpreters 2
Year 3 Team 8 – In this term, you will integrate knowledge, skills and experience in a final practicum, preparing for graduation and the start of a career as an ASL-English Interpreter.
  • PRAC-6001 Practicum

Courses and Descriptions

(Click the course name to view the description of the course)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
In addition to Transfer of Credit from a recognized post secondary institution, other RPL processes are available for RPL courses. Click here for more information. For courses with no RPL, please check www.rrc.ca/rpl for additional contact information.
ASLD-1009Advanced ASL 1
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This foundational intermediate advanced American Sign Language (ASL) language development class is designed to increase student’s proficiency in intermediate advanced ASL communication skills. The course will emphasize comprehension and execution of conversation skills within various common daily contexts. Students will also be given opportunities to develop vocabulary and grammatical features including structure, classifiers, and appropriate spatial use. Additional emphasis will be placed on cultural awareness and student’s insight into the culture and community of Deaf people. 

ASLD-1016Introduction to Deaf Studies
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This course surveys the history and culture of Deaf people and the Deaf community with a focus on evolving attitudes toward Deaf people and sign languages through history. Students will look at communication and language issues in the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority, the impact of educational options for Deaf children, perspectives on legislative and political concerns of the Deaf community, and the impacts of technology. In addition, students will examine positive and negative effects of social organizations in the Deaf community and the contemporary values and factors that shape and define the Deaf community.

ASLD-1017ASL Lab 1
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This foundational intermediate American Sign Language (ASL) language lab is designed to practice and apply the fundamental elements of ASL that are taught in Intermediate ASL 1 including comprehension and execution of conversation skills within various common daily contexts, vocabulary development and appropriate use of grammatical features including structure, classifiers, and appropriate spatial use. Emphasis will be placed on progressive development of intermediate expressive and receptive skills through a variety of activities.

ASLD-1019Introduction to Interpretation
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This introductory theory course provides an overview of the field of ASL-English Interpreting, including such topics as the profession’s history, contemporary issues, social perspectives, roles, responsibilities, ethical and professional practices. We will also look at theories and models of interpretation, and the skills applied while interpreting. Through a variety of activities, students will practice some of these skills including public speaking, how to develop and strengthen vocal awareness in areas such as affect, register, and prosody, and reflection on aspects that will influence and guide an interpretation.

ASLD-2009Advanced ASL 2
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This course will build on student’s intermediate advanced American Sign Language (ASL) communication skills, comprehension, and execution of conversation skills within various common daily contexts. To communicate effectively in ASL, students need to be aware of conversation regulators that Deaf people use during conversations. Emphasis is placed on the student’s skill development and demonstration of comprehension and being able to communicate with statements, correct usage of signs and grammatical features, directionality, descriptions, and classifiers with the ability to initiate, conduct, and draw conversations to a natural close in ASL. Development of student insight will continue into the culture and community of Deaf people.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-1009* ASLD-1017* *Please note that a minimum grade of B is required in the prerequisite courses.
ASLD-2017ASL Lab 2
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This intermediate American Sign Language (ASL) language lab is designed to continue to develop the practice and application of the elements of ASL that are taught in Intermediate ASL 2. This lab continues to further increase comprehension and execution of conversation skills within various common daily contexts, vocabulary development and appropriate use of grammatical features including structure, classifiers, and appropriate spatial use. Emphasis will be placed on progressive development of intermediate expressive and receptive skills through a variety of activities with more complex ASL through a variety of activities. Students will have directed practice with materials that emphasize receptive and expressive conversational practice. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-1009* ASLD-1017* *Please note that a minimum grade of B is required in the prerequisite courses.
ASLD-2021Cross Cultural Interaction
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This foundational course offers students the opportunity to learn about interacting in culturally diverse settings with a special focus placed on the Deaf community. Learning about a new culture often presents challenges for participants who are unaware of differing or conflicting cultural expectations from a student’s own cultural perspective. This course will offer students the opportunity to prepare for cross-cultural encounters with the primary focus being between Deaf and non-Deaf people. Topics will include cross-cultural theory, the enculturation process, oppression, feedback, and conflict resolution.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-1016 ASLD-1009* *A Minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-2022Pre-Interpreting Skills 1
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This foundational pre-interpreting course gives students the opportunity to learn cognitive processing skills that are the underlying fundamental aspects of the interpreting process. Students will have the opportunity to learn to identify implicit and explicit meaning within a source message while determining intent, register and cultural elements in the overall message. Special focus will be given to the development of specific pre-interpreting cognitive processes working from English to English, and ASL to ASL, through a combination of lecture, discussion, skill-building activities, and lab work.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-2023Special Topics in Interpreting 1
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This course will explore ASL-English Interpreting through discussion and analysis of a variety of topics pertaining to professional ASL-English Interpreters. The CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct will be examined and used as a guiding lens to explore personal and professional Self-Care, workplace roles and expectations in the workplace, employment preparation, business skills and interpreting on an educational team. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-3004Deaf Community Exploration
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Immersive approaches to learning ASL are essential for gaining fluency and becoming effective ASL communicators. Through interactive activities and conversations using everyday expressions and phrases to discuss familiar contexts students will develop communicative language abilities in ASL. Students will apply information they have learned to spontaneous communication, where the students will be able to enhance their ASL grammatical accuracy and understanding of cultural competence through interactions in ASL. Students’ experiential learning will be delivered through field trips and community-based involvement to give students an authentic experience and a glimpse of the Deaf community and the language used within it.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-2021 ASLD-2009* ASLD-2017* *A Minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-3006Ethical Practices 1
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Students will explore the foundational ethics of interpreting via processes that employ best practice guidelines that are known to produce good outcomes if followed. Students will evaluate the decision-making required in work as interpreters keeping in harmony with CASLI’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct. The ethical analysis will be practiced using a holistic perspective considering impacts to consumers, colleagues, the profession, and self, using current and structured frameworks. A reflective learning practice will be developed and encouraged through situational analysis and ongoing professional development.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-3007Consecutive Interpreting
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This course allows students who have mastered pre-interpreting skills in Pre-Interpreting Skills 2, to reinforce and extend their abilities to include consecutive interpreting from ASL to English and English to ASL. Students will review pre-interpreting skills in addition to learning strategies for self-monitoring, and repair techniques. With strong ASL and English fluency skills, students will have opportunities to focus on developing their interpreting skills during in-class simulated and live consecutive interactions. Students will plan and prepare for both mock and live consecutive interpreting assignments, while considering ethical aspects of their work. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-3022* *A Minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-3008Foundation of Interpreting Practice 1
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This course is the first in a series of three courses that looks at foundational interpreting practices. The course will provide an overview of workplaces interpreters commonly work as well as how their roles differ depending on the workplace. Special attention will be given to settings such as education, employment, health, legal, meetings, performing arts, recreational, social, and spiritual settings. Through various activities as well as observations with interpreter practitioners’ students will examine aspects of these settings and how the role of the interpreter can vary to meet the needs of the settings, consumers, and employers. Professional demeanor and effective communication will also be examined.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-3022* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-3022Pre-Interpreting Skills 2
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This course provides students the opportunity to apply their foundational pre-interpreting skills to reformulate and transfer a source message in English to ASL, and ASL to English. Exercises are designed to strengthen pre-interpreting skills to develop competencies that are required for both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Students will have the opportunity to develop the ability to work between ASL and English with proficiency in analyzing the implicit and explicit meaning of the message and developing message transfer skills that incorporate intent, register and cultural elements. This course will be a combination of lecture, discussion, skill-building activities, and lab work.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-2022* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-4006Ethical Practices 2
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This is the second ethics course in a series designed to strengthen the interpreting student’s foundational understanding and practice of Ethical conduct. Building on the tools, techniques, and strategies explored in Ethical Practices 1, students will continue to examine ethical decision-making and practice professional reflection while implementing a best practice approach that incorporate guidelines that are known to produce good outcomes if followed. A focus will be placed on situational analysis, supervisor and peer consultation, and ethical dialogue about interpreting work.  

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4008Foundation of Interpreting Practice 2
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This course is the second in a series of three courses that looks at further advancing interpreting practices. In this course students will apply theories and techniques to various interpreting settings to demonstrate professional and ethical conduct during practical and seminar experiences. Students will also accompany trained interpreter practitioners, who are CASLI-MAVLI members, to take part in several interpreting assignments in a variety of settings. Students will apply their skills to prepare for these assignments, apply observation techniques to learn from the interpreted assignment and interpreters, as well as discuss, analyze, and synthesize their experiences throughout.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4010* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-4009Advanced ASL 3
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This advanced ASL language course is designed to continue to enhance the study of ASL through opportunities to increase their skills regarding spatial agreements, non-manual signals, and differentiation and application of registers. This course provides students with an in-depth exploration of ASL lexicon, grammar, and techniques to make transitions between ideas through exposure to a variety of ASL models and styles. Students explore the meaning of content as it is revealed in context and will develop the ability to communicate respectfully in a Deaf culture setting.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4010Simultaneous Interpreting
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In this course, students who have mastered pre-interpreting skills and advanced skills in consecutive interpreting will reinforce and extend their abilities to include simultaneous interpreting from ASL to English and English to ASL. Students will learn to co-interpret as a team and to give and receive feedback. The course is built on readings, discussion, practice, and self-analysis. With strong ASL and English fluency skills, students will have opportunities to focus on developing their interpreting skills during in-class simulated and live simultaneous interactions. Students will plan and prepare for both mock and live simultaneous interpreting assignments, while considering ethical aspects of their work. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-3007* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-4023Special Topics in Interpreting 2
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This course will continue to explore ASL-English Interpreting through the discussion and analysis of various topics and roles pertaining to professional ASL-English Interpreters. The CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct will be used as a guiding lens to examine DeafBlind, Video Relay Interpreting, Deaf Interpreters and Designated Interpreting.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-2023 ASLD-3022* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-5006Ethical Practices 3
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This course will help students further consolidate the knowledge and skills developed in Ethical Practices 1 & 2 to engage students in further exploration of ethical issues including audism, majority and minority group relations and becoming an ally in the context of the interpreter working between two cultural and linguistic groups. Students will also further develop skills that will enable them as future professional interpreters to identify ethical dilemmas, predict outcomes of various courses of action and propose resolutions that are in harmony with CASLI’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-5008Foundation of Interpreting Practice 3
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This advanced level course is the third in a series of three courses that looks at interpreting practices. This pre-practicum course prepares students for their practicum placements and provides them opportunities to continue observations with professional interpreters, and to practice professional skills in selected host sites under supervision. Students will establish goals and prepare for assignments as if they are a working interpreter. They will identify and examine the strategies interpreters use to interpret in a more meaning-based manner and interpret part of the interpreting assignment when appropriate. Students will integrate and reflect upon their experiences with their peers in a seminar setting. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-5009Advanced ASL 4
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This course progresses from common concrete communications, communicative events and interactions to language usage expressing abstract ideas. Emphasis is on the comprehension and production of increasingly complex linguistic structure focusing on dialogues and conversational expressions and cultural features of the language and community. This course will also give students the tools needed to improve reading and production of fingerspelling and numbers and offer an increased comprehension of complex rules and patterns of ASL fingerspelling and number systems.  

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4009* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-5011ASL for Interpreters 1
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In this course, students will increase ASL fluency in subject areas commonly found in a variety of Interpreter settings. Through various activities, students will have the opportunity to strengthen their ASL comprehension skills and advance abilities with ASL structure, receptive skills, and expressive skills pertaining to the interpreting settings covered in this course. Students will also have the opportunity to learn how to effectively receive, accept and incorporate feedback from Deaf consumers. Written English to ASL translation will be strengthened through various activities.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4009* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-5012ASL Literature
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This course provides an introduction to literature in ASL. Students will have the opportunity to watch ASL literature and engage in discussions about various works. The literature includes poetry, narratives, Deaf humour, Deaf folklore, and other genres that have been passed from one generation to another by culturally Deaf people. Emphasis will be placed on elements of ASL that include ASL Semantics, classifiers, and role shifting.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-4009* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
ASLD-5013Applied Interpreting
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This advanced level course emphasizes the consolidation of the fundamental interpreting skills, and consecutive and simultaneous interpreting skills in preparation for practicum. This course is designed for students who have advanced skills in both consecutive and simultaneous interpreting. Students will be given opportunities to participate in a variety of simulated live interpretations that will take place both in and out of the classroom. Students will practice adjusting and working between consecutive and simultaneous interpretations as needed to meet each interpreted scenario’s needs. In addition to the practical component of this course, students will continue to analyze and assess their own interpretation skills to monitor and establish a personal skill development plan.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-5014Interpretation Analysis
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In this advanced level course common errors and miscues that occur in ASL- English Interpretations will be examined. Special emphasis will be placed on instruction and discussion of models of interpreting and various methods of analysis to examine an interpretation. Students will have opportunities to apply these theories and models to their own interpreted work to develop and strengthen skills to identify possible causes for miscues and identify or develop strategies to improve their interpretations. Students will also have opportunities to build on their critical feedback skills for both them and their peers. 

Prerequisites:
ASLD-6011ASL for Interpreters 2
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Students’ advanced ASL fluency will continue to expand by exploring additional areas pertaining to subject areas commonly found in a variety of Interpreter settings. Through various activities and simulated live interpreting scenarios, students will have the opportunity to continue to strengthen their ASL comprehension skills and advancing abilities with ASL structure, receptive skills, and expressive skills pertaining to the interpreting settings covered in this course. Students will continue to strengthen translation skills through various activities.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-5009* ASLD-5011* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course
COMM-1173Communication StrategiesRPL
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Everyone communicates, but are they doing it well? Communicative competence takes practice and self-awareness. In this foundational course, students will learn through discovery and project-based activities to practice approaching situations critically and collaboratively. By developing their communication skills, students will improve their interpersonal ability, intercultural competence, and digital fluency to prepare for success in the workplace and beyond. The strategies students will gain in this course will be useful throughout their program and in their chosen industry. 

HUMA-1004A Context for Practice With Indigenous Peoples
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This course is intended to familiarize students with some of the current issues facing Indigenous children, youth and families in Manitoba. The themes of historical context and cultural humility in helping skills are the foundational theories. We will work toward embracing an Indigenous worldview in our practice and develop culturally respectful anti-oppressive child and youth care practice. Topics in the course include the impact of colonization and residential schools, the child welfare system, past and present, racism and prejudice and individual practitioner self-awareness.

PRAC-6001Practicum
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This work-integrated practicum course provides students with opportunities to apply their advanced interpreting skills and ethical decision-making processes, during daily interpreting activities as a member of an interpreting team. Under the supervision and mentorship of a host site supervisor, students will be expected to execute entry-level interpreting skills. Outside of the host site, students will further discuss, analyze, and synthesize their practicum experiences with their peers and AEIP faculty during seminars. In addition to the practical component of this course, students will continue to analyze and assess their own interpretation skills to monitor and establish short-term and long-term personal skill development plans.

Prerequisites:
ASLD-5006 ASLD-6011* ASLD-5013* ASLD-5014* ASLD-5008* *A minimum grade of B is required in this course

CO-OP/Practicum Information

To be eligible for the Practicum Preparation and Debrief Seminar, Portfolio Development, and Interpreting Practicum courses of this program, you must complete all regular course work at this College.

You are expected to abide by all regulations governing practicum host sites. You are required to submit Adult Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector, Provincial Child Abuse Registry and Adult Abuse Registry check documents.

Computer/Laptop Requirements

Each ASL-English Interpretation program student will be required to bring his/her own laptop. Either a Mac or PC laptop is acceptable and must include a built-in camera with video capabilities to enable audiovisual recordings of signing exercises.

Please refer to https://www.rrc.ca/future-students/computer-requirements/ for further information on Computer Requirements for Students.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes

The ASL-English Interpretation Advanced Diploma Program graduate:
  1. Commits to ongoing professional development by pursuing mastery in American Sign Language and English, pursuing professional accreditation, maintaining membership in professional associations and networking, and collaborating with the community. 
  2. Interacts with the Deaf Community while respecting Deaf culture, beliefs, values, attitudes, language, traditions, and norms by being culturally sensitive and displays appropriate behaviour in cross-cultural interactions.
  3. Acts as an ally with the Deaf Communities through ongoing involvement and reciprocity to support community goals, builds trust and bridges cultures. 
  4. Facilitates interactions in American Sign Language and English either individually or in a team and interprets in a manner that is conscientious of language and cultural variance while monitoring for overall message equivalency. 
  5. Strives to manage and maintain a balanced quality of life, trust, and integrity in professional relationships.
  6. Prepares for interpreting on and off site by developing assignment-specific schema, gathering materials, identifying language use, contacting consumers and co-interpreter(s) and assessing logistical needs. 
  7. Demonstrates professionalism and accountability by practicing high quality ethical decision- making and ongoing reflection, consistent with community needs and values.
  8. Manage working individually or with another interpreter as part of a team by networking, coordinating schedules, as well as managing and negotiating basic business and financial matters related to ASL-English interpretation bookings.
  9. Acts as a resource and mentor by being available to students, colleagues, and the larger community. 
  10. Assess their own effectiveness as interpreters in a variety of settings through the use of reflective practice.
  11. Interprets in a variety of settings including in-person interpreting, online platform interpreting and other technologies applicable to interpreting, to allow for growth and learning.

Recent Changes

The ASL-English Interpretation diploma program (AEIP) replaces the former American Sign Language-English Interpretation Diploma/Degree which was part of the joint Red River College and University of Manitoba diploma/degree framework. This program was temporarily ceased to undergo academic transformation and is now open for admissions for the Fall 2025 term.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual's prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. For more information, please visit www.rrc.ca/rpl.

Other Information

Approved ASL Courses
You must complete all individual courses listed under each institution to meet the 120-hour of instruction minimum requirement.

Manitoba

Red River College Polytechnic
ASL 1 - 45 hours
ASL 2 - 45 hours
ASL 3 - 45 hours
ASL Bridging 1 - 45 hours

Courses offered through RRC Polytech can be viewed here.

ASL Teaching Service
ASL 101 - 40 hours 
ASL 102 - 40 hours 
ASL 102 - 40 hours 
ASL 201 - 40 hours 
ASL 202 - 40 hours 
ASL 203 - 40 hours 

Ontario

George Brown College
SIGN 1057 ASL Immersion 1 - 196 hours
SIGN 1058 ASL Seminar 1
SIGN 1063 Signed Language Communities
SIGN 1064 ASL Immersion 11 - 154 hours
SIGN 1065 ASL Seminar 11

Canadian Hearing Services
ASL 101 - 30 hours
ASL 102 - 30 hours
ASL 103 - 30 hours

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
ASL 101 - 40 hours
ASL 102 - 40 hours
ASL 201 - 40 hours
ASL 202 - 40 hours

Alberta

Lakeland College
Signing Naturally Units 1-6, 7-12, 13-17, 18-25
ASL 101 American Sign Language Part A (Unit 1-3 45 hours)
ASL 102 American Sign Language Part B (Unit 4-6 45 hours)
ASL 201 American Sign Language Part A (Unit 7-9 45 hours)
ASL 202 American Sign Language Part B (Unit 10-12 45 hours)
ASL 301 American Sign Language Part A (Unit 13-15 45 hours)
ASL 302 American Sign Language Part B (Unit 16-18 45 hours)
ASL 303 American Sign Language Part C (Unit 19-25 45 hours)

British Columbia

Douglas College (Modern Language)
Signing Naturally Levels 1,2 and 3 - Units 1-6, 7-12, 13-17, 18-25 and some other ASL curriculum
American Sign Language 1
American Sign Language 2
American Sign Language 3
American Sign Language 4
American Sign Language 5
American Sign Language 6
American Sign Language 7

University of British Columbia
ASL Beginner 1 - 20 hours
ASL Beginner 2 - 20 hours
ASL Beginner 3 - 20 hours
ASL Beginner 4 - 20 hours
ASL Beginner 5 - 20 hours
ASL Intermediate 1 - 20 hours

Vancouver Community College (Two program options, only one program is required)
ASL & Deaf Studies 
SIGN 1100: American Sign Language
SIGN 1200: American Sign Language Lab 1
SIGN 2100: American Sign Language 2
SIGN 2200: American Sign Language Lab 2
SIGN 3100: American Sign Language 3
SIGN 3200: American Sign Language Lab 3

Sign Language Studies
Sign Naturally 1
SIGN 1000: American Sign Language (Units 1-6 120 hours)
SIGN 2000: American Sign Language 2 (Units 7-12 120 hours)
SIGN 3000: American Sign Language 3 (Units 13-17 120 hours)
SIGN 1110: Advances ASL (Units 18-20 60 hours)

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the ASL-English Interpretation Program, all students must satisfactorily complete all 14 required courses in the program, including their practicum. 

Students are required to achieve a minimum B (70%) passing grade in the following courses: ASLD-1009, ASLD-1017, ASLD-2009, ASLD-2017, ASLD-2022, ASLD-3022, ASLD- 3007, ASLD-4009, ASLD-4010, ASLD-5009, ASLD-5011, ASLD-5008, ASLD-5013, ASLD-5014, ASLD-6011. 

Students require a program GPA of 2.5 to graduate.

Employment Potential

The ASL-English Interpretation Program will prepare you to work as an entry-level interpreter in settings ranging from K-12 public schools to colleges, businesses, and social services. You will work in multiple small and large groups, either in classes and/or community settings. In addition, successful completion of our program prepares you to take the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) Generalist Knowledge Exam. Currently, the demand for interpreters is high.

Upon completion of the AEIP Advanced Diploma, you will be prepared to:
  • Work independently or as part of a team.
  • Competently facilitate communication and interactions between Deaf, hard of hearing, and non-deaf people while accommodating linguistic and cultural needs and adhering to the CASLI Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Professional Conduct.
  • Make thoughtful interpreting decisions with confidence.
  • Produce processed interpretations fluently.
  • Self-reflect, identify your strengths and challenges, as well as your role in the communities you serve.
  • Be an independent, life-long learner.
Possible opportunities following graduation:
  • To work as a professional ASL-English interpreter 
  • Use business skills and your professional portfolio to work as an interpreter in private practice or for an agency.
  • Identify the cultural and linguistic needs of clients to make appropriate ethical decisions related to each setting.
  • Work with members of the Deaf/blind community
  • Provide entry-level interpreting in areas, such as:
    • Video Relay Services
    • Social service
    • Education
    • Faith-based entities
    • Community services
Academic Advising Service
Our academic advising service can provide information about our full-time programs, explain program admission requirements, and help you select the right program to meet your career and academic goals. We can also connect you with helpful people, resources, and supports.
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Red River College Polytechnic endeavours to provide the most current version of all program and course information on this website. Please be advised that classes may be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, process, or procedure without notice or prejudice. Fees may change without notice.