Beginner ASL for School Personnel

Description

This eight-week online class is for school personnel who have little or no American Sign Language (ASL) skills and support students in Michigan who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). The class will focus on the basics of ASL, including signs for everyday use. SCECHs are pending.

This class typically has a wait list. Please ensure your schedule allows you to attend all sessions before registering.

Audience

This class is for school personnel in Michigan who have little or no American Sign Language (ASL) skills and support students who are DHH.

Presenter

Nicole Gaines holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Secondary Education from Madonna University. Gaines was an adjunct professor and ASL teacher at Lansing Community College’s interpreter training program for four years. She also served as an ASL specialist for Bloomfield Hills Schools’ DHH program, teaching ASL and Deaf Culture/Literature to children and teens. Gaines is currently a case manager for the Deaf Community Advocacy Network (Deaf C.A.N.), working with adults in the community who are DHH.

Required Technology

This class will be conducted online via Zoom; participants do not need to have Zoom, but they must have internet access and a computer with a camera. (Tablets and smartphones are not conducive to learning the content of this class.) Instructions will be provided beforehand on how to access the class. Please review Zoom Tips and Shortcuts for Participants [PDF] before the class begins.

Online Event Expectations

Participants are expected to be respectful and courteous to others during this class. MDE-LIO reserves the right to mute, turn off video, and/or remove participants who do not adhere to this expectation.

Groups

Attendees must also be able to log into and participate in this class individually; it is not conducive to group participation.

Accessibility Accommodations

It is important for participants to request accommodations at least three weeks prior to the online event. Outside agencies MDE-LIO contracts with to provide accommodations cannot guarantee services if requests are made in less than three weeks.

Cancellation Policy

Please email [email protected] as soon as possible if you need to cancel your registration. Please note: For events that require payment, MDE-LIO will issue refunds only for cancellations received no less than three business days prior to the event.​