5 Institutions and Organizations that Teach Sign Language in Manila

Spanish? Mandarin? Portuguese?

Most of us would probably love to learn a new language because becoming multilingual is better, offering a range of benefits in the corporate world. Aside from these popular languages in the world, another language you might like to learn is sign language.

Sign language is often looked at as nonessential in our daily lives, but the truth is, it helps us express the words impossible to be spoken when you’re underwater, at a loud place, and more. Most importantly, sign language helps us communicate with deaf and mute people.

If you’re interested in making social connections with them, here’s a list of where you can learn sign language in Manila.

Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment (PAIDE)

With the goal of breaking the language barrier among deaf persons, PAIDE provides programs for sign language in Manila through intensive training, innovative methodologies, and ethical conduct practices.

People from all walks of life are welcome to support the PAIDE community. Through fundraising, the organization was able to manage training for public school teachers to serve deaf persons in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Location: 89 Primo Cruz, San Jose, Mandaluyong, Philippines

Philippine Deaf Sign Language Association (PDSL Association)

In line with teaching sign language in Manila, the PDSL Association offers programs related to translation, linguistics, and language development for the deaf.

The non-government organization was founded in 2013 by deaf Filipino church leaders in collaboration with the Deaf Ministry in the Philippines. Its main objective is to share God’s word with the deaf community using their own language.

Earlier this year, the NGO was able to successfully conduct a fourth sign language Bible translation workshop online, with a total of 77 participants including individuals, organizations, and churches.

Location: 12 Big Horseshoe Drive, Horseshoe Village, Quezon City, Philippines

LINK Center for the Deaf 

LINK Center for the Deaf is the brainchild of four people (two special educators, a child psychologist, and a counselor) whose advocacy is to bring out the great potential among deaf people, especially children.

Due to poverty and disability, most deaf children face double marginalization in society. The organization was formed to create a bridge between these children and education, delivering special services that will empower them to lead their own lives.

With the help of other institutions, LINK organizes social responsibility activities, seminar-workshop for teachers, art programs, and psycho-spiritual development.

Location: 2nd Floor MQI Bldg., #42 Esteban Abada St., corner Rosa Alvero St.,Loyola Heights, Quzeon City, Philippines

Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf (MCCID) 

Serving the deaf community since 1993, Manila Christian Computer Institute for the Deaf teaches sign language using Filipino and follows English proper on written exercises. They also share Bible-based values and Christian work ethics for future deaf workers and entrepreneurs.

To ensure conducive learning, the MCCID built a facility for sports and recreational activities, specially designed training manuals and exercises for the deaf, Free Wi-Fi access, and job placement assistance for qualified graduates and trainees.

Location: 145 Mayor Jose F. Diaz Ext., Purok Dos Sitio Buntong Palay, Bgy. Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, Philippines

De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila

The prestigious De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Manila shows its support for deaf people through the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS).

The program specification of Bachelor in Applied Deaf Studies (BAPDST) is a ten-term degree that “allows the Deaf learner to study their own identity, language, culture, and communities so that they are able to work, lead, mentor, volunteer, and advocate for their rights, self-determination, and work for the realization of their full potential, ensuring that the Deaf heritage is preserved and culture valued and nurtured.”

Location: 2544 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila, Philippines