Trent University is offering an American Sign Language (ASL) course through the University’s popular Continuing Education program at Traill College – marking the first time Continuing Education courses have been offered at Trent in the summer.

The ASL course will provide a chance for learners to brush up on this communication skill used by people in the deaf community as well as others including people with Down Syndrome, non-verbal people, those with hearing loss in adult life and recipients of cochlear implants.

"Lifelong learning is an increasingly popular way for the Peterborough community to connect with Trent University,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, director of Continuing Education. "We are happy to expand our courses into the summer with ASL and hope to increase our offerings in the years to come."

ASL for Beginners will run on Wednesday evenings at Traill College, Trent University’s downtown college, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. from June 12 to July 31.

Instructor Jennifer Endicott, who has more than 10 years of teaching experience, will lead this introductory course that will cover different learning outcomes at each session. Topics and sessions include myths and common misconceptions about the deaf community, fingerspelling, identifying locations, narrating experiences with languages, how to ask for a sign, communicating with the face, expressing needs, and more.

The cost per session is $20 (plus HST) if paid in advance and $30 (plus HST) at the door; there’s a cap of 20 people per session. Register online at https://www.regonline.com/aslforbeginners (additional registration fee will apply) or in person with cash or cheque at Scott House Room 107.1, 310 London St., Traill College.