It has been estimated that India has the largest number of hearing impaired people in the world. The sign language is their mother tongue. With this in mind and to prepare future teachers of sign language, interpretertrainers and specialists in sign language schools for hearing loss, IGNOU - in collaboration with the University of Central Lancashire, UK - offers a program three years - Bachelor of Arts in Applied Studies in sign language (BAASLS). Another program offered by IGNOU is the preparation program for undergraduate students who are deaf (BPPDS) is essentially a course of a year of preparation for students wishing to enter the BAASLS course, but lack the skills or English language study.
"The number of hearing impaired people in India are around eight million. There are only 550 schools for them. One in 10 of these children attend school and 50% of them drop out at age 13 only 25 institutions secondary education, "Michael W Morgan, senior consultant BAASLS, IGNOU.
He continues: "Since 2001, the National Institute of Hearing Impairment launched training courses for interpreters of sign language Indians are a number of NGOs across the country have also begun to teach literacy in sign language With the increasing demand for teachers in Indian sign language .. there is a shortage of qualified people to fill these positions. Students who successfully complete the program BAASLS will be well positioned to do so. "
The course teaches students the basics of BAASLS language sign language, applied linguistics such as peer mentoring, the acquisition of the first and second language, bilingualism, literacy and basic interpretation among others.
What it offers:
The main advantage of this course is one of the very few degree programs in India, which is taught entirely in sign language and thus fully accessible to students. In fact, all classes are taught by native sign language, and course work usually can be presented in sign language or written Indian English.
"An added benefit is, of course, upon graduation, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts in both the IGNOU and the University of Central Lancashire in England. BAASLS The curriculum, designed in the United States Kingdom, said a combination of lectures, class discussion and presentations, laboratory work, collaboration and independent learning projects, etc.
Experiential modules of reflection is also an essential element of the curriculum. Thus, students get a whole set of skills, high demand in the new globalized India, which distinguishes them from other candidates, "said Morgan.
ELIGIBILITY:
BPPDS Eligibility is flexible. Although the control of the sign language is required, a transition from class X or equivalent experience with what is considered the norm. At least a minimum level of English literacy is also required.
Eligibility for the current input is BAASLS 2, the mastery of sign language, and a demonstration of sufficient English to perform satisfactorily in the course (or equivalent BPPDS certificate is accepted as evidence of this level of English).
Seats up to one year of the course is 41 fees for courses BPPDS is Rs 10,000 per year, and BAASLS is Rs 12,000 per year.
Application for admission to courses in the academic year 2011-2012 BAASLS BPPDS and is now open.