American Sign Language and Deaf Studies

The Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada is a non-profit, professional association for interpreters whose working languages include a sign language. AVLIC was established in 1979 and has several Affiliate Chapters across the country. AVLIC is the only certifying body for ASL-English interpreters in Canada through the means of our Canadian Evaluation System. Among a variety of services, AVLIC offer a Dispute Resolution Process to maintain quality and accountability to the field of interpreting.

The CAD provides consultation and information on Deaf needs and interests to the public, business, media, educators, governments and others. We conduct research and collect data regarding Deaf issues; issue reports on these studies; and provide expertise on them; develop and implement pilot programs. We offer assistance to Deaf organizations and service agencies across the country, and also provide a major library and resource centre on deafness at our office in Ottawa, Ontario.

OAD is the oldest Deaf consumer organization in Canada and is currently an affiliate of the Canadian Association of the Deaf. OAD is a non-profit organization that relies on public donations and government funding to provide and maintain services to the community.
Originally founded as a social club, OAD is now a leading political/advocacy organization. Some of OAD's initiatives include:
- Consultation and Training
- Consumer Advocacy (Children and Adults)
- Access Advocacy
- Deaf Outreach Program, Prevention and Advocacy for Deaf People Living with HIV/AIDS
- Deaf Youth Leadership Camp
- Mayfest (Annual Community Festival)
- Women's Issues

Promotes public access to ASL videos.

CHS is a not-for-profit agency and the leading provider of services, products, and information that remove barriers to communication, advance hearing health, and promote equity for people who are culturally Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing. CHS offers a complete roster of essential services, including sign language interpreting; one-on-one language development for deaf and hard of hearing children using play as the medium of learning; employment consulting; sign language instruction; speechreading training; hearing testing; hearing aids; counselling; and, the most complete range of communication devices that assist and augment communication including TTYs (text telephones), visual smoke detectors, baby monitors, signaling devices and alarm clocks.

The Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf preserves, encourages and advances the cultural interests of Canada's Deaf population. Key areas of concentration are performing arts, language, literature, history, visual arts and heritage resources. CCSD encourages new and developing forms of creativity, research, participation and interests in all areas. It also promotes better understanding between Deaf and hearing adults and children as well as promoting literacy for Deaf children. Houses a museum and archives in the Distillery District in Toronto.

Gallaudet University is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard of hearing students. The University enjoys an international reputation for its outstanding programs and for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people.

The National Technical Institute for the Deaf is one of the nine colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology. Offers career-focused programs that reflect the needs of today's employers, work experience gained through the university's cooperative education program, and faculty who specialize in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Provides opportunities for a higher quality of life for Deaf people while preserving and promoting their language and culture.
The Foundation's activities:
- Promote independence, dignity and individuality for Deaf seniors
- Help Deaf people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges or other special needs become contributing members of society and reach their highest potential
- Provide a positive learning environment and strong foundation of knowledge and skills for Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing learners
- Create awareness of the Deaf Community and reduce barriers to communication by offering hearing individuals experience with a new language (American Sign Language)
- Offer an inclusive environment where Deaf children can enjoy a summer camp without communication barriers