SES Professions in Deafness
Interpreter Preparation Sign Lab
The Sign Laboratory is located in the McIver building on UNCG’s campus. The lab
consists of 15 Macintosh Computers equipped with webcams and avails students’ video
and audio recording capabilities for assignments, practice, and study in American Sign
Language (ASL). The Sign Lab is free of charge and open to all Professions in Deafness
majors. Dramatic and rapid changes in technology are currently affecting the profession
of interpreting and are allowing interpreters to work for Video Relay Service (VRS)
providers. VRS is a free telephone relay service using video technology to allow persons
who are deaf and hard of hearing to make and receive phone calls using ASL. This
setting is one of the most challenging settings for an interpreter, requiring the interpreter
to interpret through a new medium, the computer screen. ASL is a visual kinesthetic
three-dimensional language. When people who use ASL are communicating through a
video camera some of the dynamics of the language are lost in a two dimensional format.
UNCG provides current use of technology such as video or audio-recorded assignments
and weekly BlackBoard exercises to further prepare our interpreting students to transition
to employment possibilities with VRS providers.
Virtual Sign Lab
The Virtual Sign Lab is an exciting feature on BlackBoard for all students taking
American Sign Language (ASL) and other ASL-related courses!
The Virtual Sign Lab, or "VSL" is designed to help students learn and become more proficient in ASL in the comfort of their own home or at other locations other than the Sign Lab. The VSL will be constantly updated with:
- Videos for sign practice & self-tests to check your receptive skills
- Events going on in the Deaf Community (for Professions in Deafness majors only)
- Calendar of Events for Everyone!
- Weblinks to do research on ASL and Deaf-related topics
- Information on licensure and testing
- Information about Professions in Deafness programs
- Organizations, sports, clubs, performing arts, etc. of and for the Deaf
- Instructions for Sign Lab
- Taskstream
- Announcements from DHCC (Deaf/Hearing College Connection), UNCG's Sign Club
- and lots more!