American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) Recognition Campaign

ASL and LSQ are not yet recognized in Canada. The Canadian Association of the Deaf-Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) has been campaigning lately to get it recognized to ensure equality for Deaf people in Canadian society.

Achieving recognition of ASL and LSQ and official status would allow access for Deaf people to their full participation as citizens of their own country. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CPRD) mentions signed languages in its five articles. Canada has ratified the treaty in March 2010.

If we get ASL and LSQ recognition, this will ensure us:

  • More legal rights for ASL and LSQ users
  • Better access to public services
  • Better education for Deaf individuals from elementary schools, high schools, training and post-secondary schools
  • Better employment opportunities for Deaf people
  • Reduced mental health issues
  • Better interpreting quality and monitoring
  • Improve quality of lives of Deaf people in Canada

We want you! We have established a working group to promote the campaign to work with federal politicians and lawmakers. Interested in joining the working group, please contact Frank Folino at frank.folino@cad-asc.ca