Deaf Awareness Course

[Amber1571]

Hi, I am BORED of admin work and have decided, albeit a long time coming as I am in my mid 30s, that i need a career and a change!! For some unknown reason I am interested in learning about Deaf Awareness and so have started a Level 1 Course - just need to learn basic British Sign Language (which I start part-time in September) then I will have passed Level 1. Thing is, does anyone know where it would or could take me.., or is it just 'another course' that won't help me better myself...?

[RATTER15]

Sorry ! could you speak up a bit?

[Ethel]

When you become proficient at signing you could be a translator, provided you are of 'very good character'.

The police, for example, use translators when interviewing -this includes deaf people who rely on BSL.

Of course, you could go many weeks or months between 'jobs'.

There must be plenty of translating opportunities though. It's certainly worth looking in to.

[Ethel]

You may find this interesting, by the way.

http://www.british-sign.co.uk/learnbslsignlang uage/fingerspellinggamebsl.htm

[spanner7853]

you lot are cheeky. Good luck with the course. I did it a few years ago. My husband is deaf and gorgeous but anyway. If you do all the levels of BSL it does get very expensive and difficult to learn. Level 1 is easy but after that it's nerve racking. If you do all the levels you can become an interpreter for the deaf which can result in you working in courts or for the police and on television. If you go on the BSL website it may give you more information.

Good on you for wanting to better yourself. You wont realise how difficult it is being deaf until you do that course.

let me know if you want further information and I'll get back to you.

[Amber1571]

Thanks Spanner7853, I appreciate your help. I was nervous starting out - at 36 I am no spring chicken to be trying to change jobs so drastically, but going to stick at it as I am really enjoying it so far.

Thanks again.