American Sign Language Communication Program

The American Sign Language Communication Program is a one-year certificate program for students with no signing experience. Students in the program receive instruction in the skills and training required to meet the ASL proficiency standards required to be considered for admission to the Interpreter Training Program. A grade of “C” or above is required in all American Sign Language Communication Program courses to be considered for admission in the Interpreter Training Program. This one-year certificate (or equivalent course work and signing skills) is required for admission into the selective ITP program. Program graduates will not be certified interpreters. This Certificate of Applied Science degree program will be discontinued in 2012-13, the courses will be used in the Interpreter Training AAS Program and as a stand alone Advanced Skills Set that is not eligible for Federal Financial (TItle IV) Aid.

American Sign Language Communication Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Communicate with the Deaf community in social settings;
• understand the culture of the Deaf community;
• demonstrate the connections between the ASL curriculum and their personal/academic lives;
• compare and contrast the culture of the hearing community to the Deaf community;
• and develop a stronger sense of connection to the Deaf community by participating in events sponsored by and for the Deaf community.

Individuals in the following professions will find the certificate beneficial for direct communication with Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing individuals.

• Accessibility & Disability Services
• Advocacy
• Education
• Service Providers
• Religious
• Healthcare Professions
• Law Enforcement
• Fire and Rescue Professions