About the American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies Program
The American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Studies curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills of ASL. Linguistic theory and research in ASL receives emphasis throughout the program. The curriculum also focuses on the uniqueness of ASL as a language, Deaf Culture, Deaf History and Deaf Education practices.
Students with no knowledge or skill in sign language can enroll in beginning courses. For those students who have some skills signing, a sign language assessment determines appropriate placement in the curriculum.
The program provides for students to interact with Deaf students at the college and to become involved in the social and cultural activities of the Deaf Community. Opportunities are plentiful for American Sign Language and Deaf Studies students to participate in seminars, workshops, or other activities related to the Deaf Community.
The American Sign Language and Deaf Studies Program has a strong working relationship with the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, where ASL students may volunteer or be employed.
Completion of the ASL and Deaf Studies Associate of Arts degree meets the California State requirements for a variety of jobs at California School for the Deaf. Students at advanced levels may seek work opportunities at the College as tutors to beginning American Sign Language students and Deaf student in various subject areas.
The program emphasizes the use of American Sign Language skills and students have many opportunities to apply their skills. The program receives strong support from national, state, local agencies, and associations that support programs for and of the Deaf.
As public awareness of Deafness has grown and people desire to communicate with Deaf people, there has been a corresponding interest in American Sign Language. ASL is the most effective way of communication with Deaf people. ASL is one of the most often used languages in the United States after English, and can be used for both personal and professional purposes.
The American Sign Languages and Deaf Studies Program at Ohlone College offers a full range of classes from beginners to advanced students:
- In meeting personal needs to communicate with Deaf people.
- In learning about the social, historical, educational and cultural aspects of the Deaf.
- To prepare for the Interpreter Preparation Program.
- To prepare to enter the field of Deaf Education as a teacher's aide, cottage (dormitory) counselor and aide, transportation aide, tutors, etc.
- To meet the Humanities General Education requirement for a Bachelor's degree in the California State University and University of California systems.
- To meet the Foreign Language requirement at many colleges and certain occupations.
- In providing added skills for employees in public and private agencies to meet the need of Deaf clients and patients.
- To prepare for Deaf Education teacher training programs.
- In meeting requirements or providing added skills in the area of social services as a counselor, psychologist, speech pathologist, language development specialist, audiologist, audiometrist, medical doctor, nurse, etc.
- In the area of research and linguistics.
- To satisfy the bilingual requirements of occupations such as law enforcement, fire fighting, emergency medicine, etc. in the areas of management and personnel.
- In working with relay and referral agencies which provide equal opportunities to Deaf people.
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