La Universidad Nacional de Rosario will grant the first university certification in Argentine Sign Language with international standards, an initiative that promotes inclusion, accessibility, and the recognition of linguistic and cultural rights.
Through the Human Rights Department and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, in conjunction with the Rosario Civil Association for the Deaf and the Rosario Civil Association for the Deaf, a new Certification of Specific Competencies in Argentine Sign Language is being launched, accrediting levels B1 and B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
With this initiative, UNR becomes the first public university in the country to award official certification of proficiency in Argentine Sign Language to international standards, academically validating prior knowledge acquired in community or family settings. This action sets a precedent in the Argentine university system, integrating linguistic diversity from a rights-based perspective.
This initiative, approved by the Superior Council through Resolution RCS-286/2025, positions the University at the forefront of the nation in the academic validation of knowledge important for accessibility and equity. The certification responds to long-standing demands from the deaf community and accessibility movements, recognizing Argentine Sign Language as a natural, autonomous language and cultural heritage, as established by Provincial Law 13.258 and National Law 27.710. UNR thus takes on the challenge of certifying and institutionally endorsing sign language knowledge that strengthens inclusion in this field.
The training course addresses sociocultural, linguistic, and discursive aspects of Argentine Sign Language, aligned with the descriptors of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The certification covers levels B1 and B2 for independent users. The coursework is 120 hours (80 hours of specific training + final exam), with in-person instruction in Rosario and synchronous virtual instruction in other cities.
The program runs from July to November, once a week, and attendance is mandatory. The final exam will be evaluated by a mixed panel (teachers and representatives from associations for the deaf), ensuring quality and relevance. It is intended for deaf people with teaching experience in Argentine Sign Language (minimum 3 years), hearing people with at least 3 years of study in associations for the deaf, hearing CODA (children of deaf adults), and family members with knowledge of sign language.
This official certification not only opens up new training and recognition opportunities for the deaf and hearing community, but also sets a precedent for the rest of the Argentine university system. UNR reaffirms its commitment to equal rights, accessibility, and the appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity.
For more information: competencieslsa@gmail.com
Journalist: Victoria Arrabal/Photographer: Camila Casero