Connect Society’s Literacy Program offers adult and family literacy programs to individuals who are Deaf or have a child with a hearing loss
Family Literacy Programs
The Family Literacy Program provides home and centre based activities that promote early literacy and social interaction skills for children. A resource lending library is available to parents. All family literacy groups are run without any cost to the families participating thanks to our funding from Advanced Education.
Lunch and Learn - Goodbye Meal Time Struggles
Free workshop with a registered dietitian for parents and caregivers of children 6 months to five years of age.
When: April 30, 2025 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Connect Society 6240 113 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 3L2
Learn about:
- ideas to make mealtimes more pleasant
- how children’s eating skills develop
- possible reasons behind meal time struggles
- setting a consistent routine
- appropriate portion sizes
- introducing healthy new foods
- connecting with your child through food
Register here: forms.office.com/r/BJPv55f4P1
Adult Literacy Programs
Adult Literacy programs support adult learners to gain foundational skills and improve their literacy skills. All Adult literacy groups are offered at a low cost to the adults participating thanks to our funding from Advanced Education.
LITERACY TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT
In this Deaf Adult literacy program we will go through Soft skills which are ways of acting or thinking that make it easier to work well with other people. Sometimes they’re called “people skills. “This program will help you build your soft skills, which include: • motivation • attitude • accountability • presentation • teamwork • time management • adaptability • stress management • confidence.
In today’s job market employers are looking for people with strong soft skills!
Basic food safety – This is offered with curriculum from Alberta Health Services. We will go over topics such as sanitization, food preparation/storage, and proper dishwashing technics. When successful in getting 80% on a 30 question test you can receive a certificate that you can add to your resume. We will alternate between Soft skills and Food safety.
Is this program of interest to you? Please contact Marilyn Calkins for more info
CONNECT COOKS
ASL LEARNERS LICENCE PREPARATION CLASS
Registration Link: https://www.connectsociety.org/learners/
ASL Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNjIPfxFg6U
ASL LINC/ Canada PAH!
Canada Pah! is a three-semester program for Deaf immigrants, combining functional English and American Sign Language (ASL) development. Learners will gain essential skills for Canadian daily life, including:
- Language: Practical English and ASL.
- Life Skills: Canadian life, legal rights, and resources.
- Literacy: Digital and financial literacy.
Taught by a Deaf instructor with International Sign Language experience, this program develops community and helps with day to life in Canada.
Contact Kamil Burnat kburnat@connectsociety.org or Marilyn Calkins mcalkins@connectsociety.org for intake information.
Building Language Skills: English for Deaf Adults
Building Language Skills is an 11-week program (one evening per week, 2 hours)
Boost your English reading and writing skills!
Designed for Deaf Adults in Edmonton!
Are you a Deaf Adult looking to improve your English reading and writing skills?
Our supportive and engaging classes are designed to help you:
- Build confidence in your language abilities.
- Develop strong reading comprehension skills.
- Improve your grammar and vocabulary.
- Connect with other Deaf learners in a welcome community.
Our experienced instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including visual aids, and hands-on activities, to ensure a dynamic and inclusive learning experience.
Read to take the next step in your English language journey?
REGISTER HERE: https://form.jotform.com/243575179960065
Questions?
Kamil Burnat kburnat@connectsociety.org
ASL VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP4OMFJnzw4
Contacting the Program

Marilyn Calkins
Literacy Coordinator
Edmonton
- 6240 – 113 Street
Edmonton, AB
T6H 3L2 - 780-454-9581
- mcalkins@connectsociety.org