This multi-national EU funded project - completed by June 2003 -
developed a
British Sign Language
(BSL) course, for the hearing impaired, of any
age. The course includes over 57 essential phrases.
SIGN-NET is a unique and totally new approach to teaching
Sign. Designed for use by members of the hearing community,
SIGN-NET uses a series of 57 video clips to show the learner
exactly how key words and phrases can be used to communicate
with the deaf.
Created for use by personnel including receptionists,
doctors, nurses, waiters, waitresses, retail and travel
staff, SIGN-NET aims to break through the barriers often
created through misunderstandings between the deaf and
hearing communities. Supported by sections designed to make
signing fun, SIGN-NET is a course which encourages learning!
The
European Union has supported the development of a
basic on-line Sign Language course, available in
British Sign Language (BSL) for those people who will come in to
contact with people with a hearing disability so they will
be able to communicate effectively with them – this could be
family members, employers or trainers. Deafness has the
effect of isolating the individual from society both
economically and socially.
The
project aims to reduce exclusion and, using the latest
communication technologies, encourage societal mainstreaming
and integration of the individual to enable him/her to work
and/or train alongside their able bodies peers.
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For example if a deaf person wants to undertake
a training course they need to be able to
communicate with someone at the local College to
explain their needs. The first contact will be
with the Reception desk.
Without some basic knowledge of sign language
the receptionist will not be able to help - the
deaf person with a mental health problem will
then have to wait until someone with Sign
language skills is available. They may not be
able to wait and the frustrating experience may
lead them not to bother pursuing the training
course.
If, however, the Receptionist is able to
communicate (albeit in a basic way) this will
ensure that the deaf person is dealt with
effectively and sympathetically.
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Areas covered are:
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Healthy Living |
Eating Out |
Travelling |
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In the Workplace |
Shopping |
School/Colleges |
