RELEASE: New Signers Program kicks off at Gallaudet University

From: Gallaudet - Jul 27, 2005

PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Darrick Nicholas
Media Relations Coordinator, Gallaudet University
PH: 202.448.7136
E-mail: darrick.nicholas@gallaudet.edu

New Signers Program kicks off at Gallaudet University

The course targets new students who possess little or no skill in signing.

(WASHINGTON) Going off to college can be stressful all by itself without adding learning a new language to the process.

Gallaudet University offers a free crash course on ASL for all new students who possess little or no skill in signing.

The New Signers Program (NSP) is a four-week immersion course taking place July 21 to Aug. 19. The NSP aims to teach new students basic signing skills by the beginning of fall classes so they can communicate easily with other Gallaudet students, staff, and faculty.

The students also learn about Gallaudet's history and traditions, deaf awareness, deaf culture, the history of education of deaf people, and other interesting topics.

In addition to sign classes, students participate in Learning through Discovery, a popular adventure-based outdoor activities program focusing on developing teamwork as well as decision-making and conflict resolution skills.

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About Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University is the world leader in liberal education and career development for deaf and hard-of-hearing undergraduate students. The University enjoys an international reputation for the outstanding graduate programs it provides deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students, as well as for the quality of the research it conducts on the history, language, culture, and other topics related to deaf people. In addition, the University's Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center serves deaf and hard-of-hearing children at its two demonstration schools and throughout the nation by developing, implementing, and disseminating innovative educational strategies. Gallaudet is located in Washington, DC.