American Sign Language
Program Summary
American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most commonly used language in the US. It is a complete, complex language that employs signs made with the hands and other movements, including facial expressions and postures of the body. It is the first language of many deaf North Americans, and one of several communication options available to deaf people. Even though ASL is used in America, it is a language completely separate from English. It contains all the fundamental features a language needs to function on its own: it has its own rules for grammar, punctuation, and sentence order.
Sign languages develop to meet the specific needs of their communities. It is not universal language. For example, ASL is totally different from British Sign Language even though both countries speak English. Consequently, those who use a sign language are a very diverse population. Not only do these individuals differ in age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status, but also in the sign language that they use. This multi-cultural group of individuals who identify themselves as “deaf,” view themselves as an ethnic identity, and not as having a physical condition.
Since October 1, 2004, it has been illegal for any business to discriminate against disabled people, either during the recruitment process or at work, and disability rights campaigners say that employers must make better use of new technology to help them fulfill their new obligations. Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) require all businesses, not just those with more than 15 employees as previously, to make "reasonable adjustments" to workplaces to accommodate the disabled.
Employment Trends
Experts anticipate significant shortages of employees in teaching, maintenance, outreach services, supervision, and safety. They also anticipate a shortage of teachers certified to teach deaf students, educational administrators, and related support professionals.
- There is a gap between the technological and behavior management skills of the staff and the needs of the increasing workforce with challenging disabilities.
- According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), approximately 20 million people – an astonishing 8.6% of the total US population – were reported to have hearing problems. Of those 20 million, approximately 550,000 are profoundly deaf.
- The NCHS reports that between one and two of every 1,000 American children have moderate to severe hearing impairment in both ears.
Program Objectives
- Successful completion of each course earns a Certificate of Completion.
Coursework leading to award of a Continuing Education Certificate.
Program Curriculum
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Crs #
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Course Name
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Hrs
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COM325
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Sign Language I
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24
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COM330
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Sign Language II
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24
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COM326
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Sign Language III
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24
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|
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Program total
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72
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