Manitoba Government Helps Launch New American Sign Language – English Interpretation Program at Red River College Polytechnic

May 16, 2025

The Manitoba government is supporting the launch of Red River College Polytechnic’s (RRC Polytech) modernized American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpretation Advanced Diploma Program (AEIP) to improve outcomes for students serving both the Deaf and non-Deaf communities, Advanced Education and Training Minister Renée Cable announced today.

“Embracing diversity and inclusion makes our communities and province stronger,” said Cable. “We’re proud to work with RRC to make Manitoba a more inclusive and accessible place. The new program will enhance student success and prepare graduates to provide interpretive services for Deaf Manitobans.”

The Manitoba government has provided $225,000 for one-time renovation and equipment costs, in addition to $190,000 in annual funding to support ongoing program operations.

The modernized program provides a strong foundation in ASL fluency and Deaf history and culture, with interpreting practice in both classroom and real-world settings, noted the minister. The program has undergone an academic transformation, revamping its content, design and delivery to better meet the evolving needs of learners and the community. Graduates will be equipped to work as entry-level interpreters in various settings including kindergarten to Grade 12 public schools, colleges, businesses and social services.

Other new program elements include:

• a three-year full-time program encompassing eight terms;
• revised admission requirements to ensure incoming learners have intermediate language fluency and a minimum of 120 hours of ASL learning;
• leveraging work-integrated learning opportunities such as practicums to augment in-class training and provide hands-on experience to enhance foundational skills for general interpreting; and
• opportunities for community involvement that will further increase ASL fluency and understanding of Deaf history.

RRC Polytech is also offering three ASL courses through Continuing Education to support greater proliferation of ASL language training and support future program participants to meet admission requirements, the minister noted. The first intake in fall 2025 has a projected enrollment of 10 students, with an annual capacity of 20 students.

“RRC Polytech is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity both on campus and in our communities,” said Aileen Najduch, acting vice-president academic, RRC Polytech. “Our programs are routinely updated and modernized to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the students and industries we serve. This new advanced diploma will have benefits to the community including a new learning lab and more simulation experience opportunities which will improve outcomes for students who will graduate from the program and ultimately for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community they will support.”

RRC Polytech consulted several partners and community representatives when structuring this programming and curriculum, including employers and practicum partners, the minister noted. Indigenous ways of knowing and learning have also been integrated into the program to strengthen relationships with Indigenous partners, learners and communities.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT5