French Sign Language Academy

The French Sign Language Academy (Académie de la langue des signes française), abbreviated ALSF, is a French association to promote French Sign Language (FSL). It was founded in 1979 by Guy Bouchauveau and Christian Bourgeois, the first president. It offers training in FSL and participates in research of the language in partnership with the. The ALSF is an accredited training center for the Diplôme de Compétences en Langues (Diploma of Language Competence).

The Hands of Gold Award
In 1999 the association created The Hands of Gold Award (Prix des Mains d'Or), awarded to individuals or associations who have done outstanding work to protect or promote the Deaf community.