American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist

Return to: SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf Degrees and Certificates

The American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist Certification program is offered for students who desire to enter employment directly after completion of this two semester program.

Possible Employment Responsibilities: A Deaf Support Specialist is responsible for advocating, educating, and promoting community awareness on the issues that pertain to the Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing communities. 

Possible Employment Positions: Educational advocate, job coach, equal-rights advocate for Deaf or Deaf-Blind adults, mediator.

Possible Employment Locations: Companies or government agencies that employ Deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.  An agency or organization that provides an array of services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.  Schools with Deaf or hard-of-hearing students.

Program Duration: Two semesters. Additional semester(s) of basic skills courses may be required depending on student’s prior training/education.

Prerequisite: MATH 0332  and ENGL 0316 .  Taking the Sign Language Proficiency test determining appropriate placement in SGNL 1301 , SGNL 1302 , SGNL 2301 , and SGNL 2302 .

DSS “Skills” Courses - Grade Requirements

In order for a student to advance to the next course within the DSS course of study, the student must pass each of the following “skills” courses with a grade of “B” or better:  SGNL 1301 , SGNL 1302 , and SGNL 2301 .  DSS majors making a grade of “C” or below on any of these courses will be required to repeat the course.  DSS majors are required to pass all other SLNG courses with a grade of “C” or better.  DSS majors making a grade of “D” or below on any of these courses will be required to repeat the course.

Programs

• American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist, AAS

• American Sign Language: Deaf Support Specialist, Certificate Level I

Return to: SouthWest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf Degrees and Certificates