Slgn Language Connection Classes

Sign Language Connection offers a wide variety of instructional classes and workshops on topics surrounding the needs of the deaf community. Language classes are designed for people who interact with Deaf people in their office or business. A brief list of these offerings follows.

Introduction to Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) Level 1

ASL Levels 2 and 3

Working With Sign Language Interpreters

Integrating Deaf People Into the Workplace

The Americans With Disabilities Act; How It Affects Your Business

Use of a Sign Language Interpreter in Legal Settings

Using Interpreters Effectively in the Medical Enviornment


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Introduction to Sign Language
Description:	Basic survival signs tailored to the language/vocabulary of your business, Deaf community, language and culture, and appropriate etiquette with Deaf people.
Time:	10 weeks, 1 hour per week
Instructor(s):	Member of ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association); interpreter provided for the first day only at no additional charge.
Who Should Attend:	Those who have contact with Deaf people and wish to learn more about Sign Language. This is introductory in nature and not meant for an in-depth study of the language.


Integrating Deaf People Into the Workplace
Description:	Learn how to make your business or office truly accessible. What are the equipment and communication needs, and the cultural differences between hearing and deaf people? Stop misunderstandings before they begin.
Time:	2-3 hours
Instructor(s):	Sign Language Connection Staff
Who Should Attend:	Anyone who interfaces with Deaf employees or customers. Human resource managers.


Sign Language Connection is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all of your interpreting and mediation needs. Contact us at any time.
Postal:	3495 Winton Place, Building E, Suite 210 Rochester, NY 14623
Email:	Scheduling@slc-inc.com
Phone:	(585) 454-4220
Toll Free:	(877) 454-4220
Fax:	(585) 454-1021


American Sign Language (ASL) Level 1
Description:	Learning the language: signs of the home, work, and community. Aspects of Deaf culture and community will be introduced.
Time:	10 weeks, 2 hours per week
Instructor(s):	Member of ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association); interpreter is provided for the first day only at no additional charge.
Materials Used:	Vista: Signing Naturally workbook and video, $44.95 shared or individually purchased.
Who Should Attend:	Those who have regular, day-to-day contact with Deaf people.


American Sign Language (ASL) Levels 2 and 3
Description:	Continuation of Level 1, more advanced vocabulary and language usage taught, as well as culture and community.
Time:	10 weeks, 2 hours per week
Instructor(s):	Member of ASLTA (American Sign Language Teachers Association)
Materials Used:	Same as ASL level 1
Who Should Attend:	Those who have completed level one.


Working With Sign Language Interpreters
Description:	Signer vs. Interpreter: what's the difference? Why and when one is needed? What interpreters do, what they need to do it well, and how to assist them at their job. Saving money with interpreters. What does the Americans with Disabilities Act say about interpreters? Ethical issues.
Time:	2-3 hour workshop
Instructor(s):	Nancy Berlove, MS, CT, CSC, SC:Legal, President of Sign Language Connection. She is the owner of Rochester's largest interpreting service and has over 20 years of experience working as an interpreter and interpreting educator.
Who Should Attend:	Anyone who has or will have contact with interpreters or requests their services.


The Americans With Disabilities Act; How it Affects Your Business
Description:	Learn what the ADA, passed in 1991, says and how it affects your business. What is “undue burden”? Who pays? What is an acceptable accommodation?
Time:	2-3 hours
Instructor(s):	Nancy Berlove and one other legal expert.
Who Should Attend:	Those who make decisions about accessibility or hiring practices, i.e. managers, corporate owners or directors.


Use of a Sign Language Interpreter In Legal Settings
Description:	Learn about the physical and mental requirements of an interpreted assignment and what is needed to perform accurately and adequately. What are the ethical considerations when providing services to both the defendant and the court? What is a Deaf interpreter, and why are they essential to some court proceedings? The NY law requires interpreters working in the legal settings to be certified. What are the different certifications? How do you select the proper interpreter?
Time:	2-3 hours
Instructor(s):	Nancy Berlove, Rochester's only interpreter who holds Specialist Certification: Legal (SC:L) She has presented workshops at national conventions on interpreting in legal settings and has worked in the courts for the past 15 years.
Who Should Attend:	Lawyers, judges, clerks, law-clerks, advocates, administrators.


Using Interpreters Effectively in a Medical Environment
Description:	What specialized skills should an interpreter have to work with medical practitioners? How does an interpreter affect the relationship between client and practitioner? What can be done to protect one's medical practice against errors and omissions by the interpreter?
Time:	1-2 hours
Instructor(s):	Sign Language Connection Staff
Who Should Attend:	Doctors, nurses, therapists, counselors, secretaries.