British Sign Language (BSL) is the first or preferred language of an estimated 50,000 - 70,000 Deaf people in the UK. It is the language of the Deaf community. BSL is a visual-gestural language, which is governed by its own grammar rules and principles, which are completely different from the grammatical rules of English.
This course is designed to enable learners to acquire a basic ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL.
The qualification consists of three units and each can be completed separately.
Course duration: The recommended length of this course is 64 hours.
Signature's BSL level two qualification is designed to enable learners to develop an ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL/ISL in a range of familiar contexts, participating in longer, more open-ended exchanges than at level one. For more information on this qualification please visit the Signature website at www.signature.org.uk.
The qualification consists of three units and each can be completed separately.
Learners will answer 12 multiple choice questions during a signed story played via DVD.
Recommended length of this unit is 30 hours including assessment time.
Learners will sign a 3-4 minute presentation based on a choice of topics provided by Signature. This presentation is video recorded for external moderation.
Recommended length of this unit is 35 hours including assessment time.
Tutor and learner will have a 6-7 minute conversation based on a topic provided by Signature. This conversation is video recorded for external moderation.
Recommended length of this unit is 35 hours including assessment time.
Course duration: The recommended length of this course is 100 hours.
This specification details the two units that make up the Level 1 Certificate in Developing Awareness and Communication with Deaf and Deafblind People – Unit K101 (Deaf and Deafblind Awareness) and Unit T101 (Communication Tactics with Deaf and Deafblind People).
Deaf and Deafblind Awareness is an essential first step in tackling discrimination and creating equality of opportunity, treatment and choice for Deaf and Deafblind people through greater understanding, more positive attitudes towards deaf and deaf-blindness and more effective communication skills.
The examination in Deaf and Deafblind Awareness lasts for 20 minutes and involves 20 multiple choice questions.
Course duration: a minimum of 12 ½ hours tuition.
There are approximately 9 million deaf people and 24,000 deaf-blind people in the UK.
In the course of their daily lives, Deaf and Deafblind people are meeting service providers, colleagues, friends and relatives who are unaware of the basic communication skills for communicating with them. This can lead to frustration and distress on both sides. The situation can be improved greatly by developing knowledge and skills in the use of simple communication tactics. The need for such a course is reinforced by not just the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) but a response to those who wish to acquire some practical communication skills other than sign language. Most of the basic communication tactics included in the curriculum are applicable to all groups of deaf and Deafblind people.
The assessment comprises a live practical test of the ability to use a range of basic communication methods for clear communication with deaf people.
Course duration: a minimum of 8 hours tuition.
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