Kerry Deaf Resource Centre Update 13.07.15

IRISH  SIGN  LANGUAGE  CLASSES
This week our service focuses on Irish Sign Language (ISL) classes in Co.
Kerry. Freelance tutors generally provide ISL tuition on a one-to-one basis
or group classes. Tuition is generally provided by Signature or FETAC
approved teachers.

As our Centre is an approved course provider with Signature, we generally
refer sign language students to Signature accredited tutors. The freelance
tutor then informs students of upcoming courses, the costs of classes & any
exam fees.

Students also have the option of attending classes external to our service
that are provided by FETAC accredited tutors. If we are informed of FETAC
classes, we are happy to share these details with students also.

Here is an example of the classes a Signature tutor can provide. Please note
these courses do not qualify a person to teach ISL or to do sign language
interpreting.

10 Week Introduction to ISL
This is an ideal course for people who would like to learn the basics of
sign language.

Classes are usually one hour long.  As there is no formal exam or
accreditation, the Tutor generally presents students with a Certificate of
Attendance.

Level 1 ISL Signature Certified Sign Language Course
This course is designed to teach learners to communicate using Irish Sign
Language (ISL) on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language
use.

Level 1 is approx. 60 hours in total.  Classes are usually two hours long.
Level 1 is divided into three units.

Unit 101: Introduction to ISL. Unit 102: Conversational ISL.
Unit 103: Conversational ISL.

At the end of each unit, students sit an exam.  When a student passes all
three Units, they receive the Level 1 Certificate awarded by Signature.

Level 2 ISL Signature Certified Sign Language Course
This course enables learners to develop an ability to communicate with Deaf
people using ISL in a range of familiar contexts, participating in lengthy
and open-ended exchanges.

Level 2 is approx. 82 hours in total.  Classes are usually two hours long.
Level 2 is divided into three units.

Unit 201: Receptive Skills. Unit 202: Productive Skills.
Unit 203: Conversational Skills.

At the end of each unit, students sit an exam.  When a student passes all
three Units, they receive the Level 2 Certificate awarded by Signature.

HOME TUITION IN ISL FOR FAMILIES WITH A DEAF CHILD.
If a family has a deaf child & wants to learn sign language, The Dept. of
Education provides payment for sign language tuition in the deaf child’s
home. These classes can be provided by Signature or FETAC accredited tutors.

An application is submitted to the Special Needs section of the Dept. of
Education and Science along with a copy of the child’s audiogram.

When the application is approved, a tutor is sourced and classes can
commence.  The service is available to all deaf children up to the age of
18.

During the school year, one hour of teaching time per week is provided.  In
July and August up to 7.5 hours can be claimed for.

A claim form is submitted to the Department with a breakdown of teaching
hours. The Department then sends a cheque to the parents or to an agreed
third party and it then becomes their responsibility to pay the tutors.

APPS & WEBSITES
Irish Sign Language (ISL) is now available on a variety of apps & websites.
Please see below a sample of what is currently available on the Apple App
Store/ Google Play Store & on the Internet

Apple Apps Available on the APPLE APP STORE:
ISL Everywhere By David Matthews (Cost: Free)
ISL Alphabet By Incremental Systems (Cost:  Free)
SignBasic Mobile App By ziggiapps (Cost:  Free)
Irish Sign Language Mobile App Lite By Paddy O’Neill (Cost:  Free)
Irish Sign Language Mobile App (Sign4Life) By Paddy O’Neill (Cost:  €0.99)

Android Apps Available on the GOOGLE PLAY STORE:
ISL Everywhere By David Matthews (Cost: Free)
SignBasic Mobile App By ziggiapps (Cost:  Free)
Irish Sign Language (Freemium) By Sign4Life (Cost: Free)
Consise Irish Sign Language Dictionary (Cost: €0.79)

ISL is also available on the following WEBSITES:
www.irishdeaf.com online course in sign language (Cost 60euro per person for
a licence to access the course for 3 months). A wide range of publications
in sign language are also available to purchase at Irishdeaf.com
http://www.handsthattalk.ie/ Tizzie- Signing for Everyone (an animated
cartoon character- ideal for children learning ISL.
www.youtube.com Type in Irish Sign Language on Youtube and you will see a
range of clips in ISL.
www.learnirishsignlanguage.ie/index.html

OUR CONTACT DETAILS:
Kerry Deaf Resource Centre.
4 Gas Tce, Tralee, Co. Kerry, IRELAND
V92 Y409

KDRC provides services to Deaf and hard of hearing people at county level
and contributes to national issues of equality, access and rights.

Charity Number CHY20854

Text     (+353) 87 633 4687
Fax      (+353) 66 712 0386
Tel       (+353) 66 712 0399

E-mail:       [email protected]
Website:    www.kerrydeaf.com
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/kerrydeaf

Can also be contacted via Facetime, Skype & Glide Video Messaging.