I need to find a certified sign language instructor in the michiana area.?
I have clients in 2 basic developmental group homes who know some sign language, but there is a possibility that one of the homes may be getting a new client who is deaf, and this is his primary form of communication. The staff are concerned (and rightly so) about their lack of skills in this area, and I must admit, I am lacking a bit, myself. I would like to find a skilled/certified sign language instructor to do perhaps a 2-3 day workshop? or if anyone knows of any sign language classes being taught(not in a university setting)? The group homes that I am a Q for are approximately 25 minutes from south bend, IN. Our main office is in Warsaw, IN.
Since you do not want a university setting, here is an option that you may consider:
http://www.signingonline.com/
They offer web-based courses, designed to effectively teach you American Sign Language (ASL) at your own pace from anywhere in the world. The courses focus on conversational ASL and make extensive use of digital video to demonstrate the visual nature of signing. The courses are perfect for anyone wanting to learning ASL. State Board Approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to educators and Continuing Education (CEs) contact hours are available for nurses.
I'm interested in becoming an American Sign language interpreter, is it worth getting into the field?
I took a sign language class in college. (recently graduated)
My teacher couldn't stress enough the need for interpreters. I think as we become more culturally educated as a society the more need we will have for these type of jobs. I believe it would be a very rewarding job to have.
If you are worried about job security you could also look into baby sign language and become a teacher of it. That would give you extra money on top of interpreting. It is a fast and upcoming trend to learn this skill.
Here are some websites that might help you:
http://www.lcc.edu/communication/sign_lang/careers/
http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/TRANSLAT.HTM
http://deafness.about.com/cs/signfeats1/a/signcareers.htm
http://www.vault.com/survey/occupational/Freelance-15944.html
how can I become an American Sign Language Teacher in a high school setting?
I am allready fluent in sign language and work as an interpreter. But I want to teach it.
Get your RID certification and then get your teaching certification for the state you want to work in.
Follow the link to see what the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf has to say. (1)
Once again ASL sign language?
Is there a sign for puzzle?
Yes, there is one. It's pretty complicated, though. Look on an online "sign language dictionary." Here's a link.
What different types of sign language exist?
I know there is ASL (American Sign Language), but I doubt they’d use that in other countries. I think there’s also BSL (Basic Sign Language), but I’m not sure if there is anything else. I read that there isn’t any universal sign language, so my question is what other types exist? What would one use in Australia, the U.K., etc?
Could BSL mean British Sign Language and not Basic Sign Language?
I'll say British Sign Language for BSL.
You are right about the fact that it’s not a universal sign language. People tried to create such a think, but it doesn’t work for the same reason it’s almost impossible to create an international spoken language: languages are tight to a determined culture and background.
In the field of sign languages, it’s remarkable that even in countries with the same oral language, not always it’s used the same sign language. Take the case of English and the countries where this is the official language. In the States and most parts of Canada, the Deaf community uses ASL (American Sign Language), In UK BSL (British Sign Language), and Australia Auslan (Australian Sign Language) and so on. Each of them with their own structure, vocab, idioms, and even fingerspelled alphabet.
The same can be said with Spanish. You have LSA (Argentinian Sign Language), Spaniard Sign Language, Colombian Sign Language, Ecuadorian Sign Language, Mexican Sign Language, etc.
For some more sign languages this link can be useful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_sign_languages