Medical ASL
Course description:
This course is an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture for medical professionals. It will be comprised of traditional, in-class ASL acquisition and skill building as well as two classes/components that center on discussing topics relevant and integral to Deaf culture. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to have basic ASL interactions with Deaf patients of all age ranges including, but not limited to, asking about and answering common procedural questions, using ASL fingerspelling, and learn specific approaches needed to interact successfully with Deaf patients. In addition, students will understand some of the specific topics and concerns pertinent and foundational to Deaf culture that will help them to understand the perspectives and needs of their Deaf patients.
Proposed meeting times/frequency:
Classes one time per week, 1.5 hours per class, for 10-12 weeks. 2 out of the 12 classes would focus solely on Deaf cultural issues and discussions.
TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION/LEARNING:
Weeks 1 and 2:
- Introductions, names, fingerspelling and other ASL basics.
- Anatomy
- Clothing and Dressing
Week 3 and 4:
- Review/practice of week 1
- Activities of daily living
- Time signs that influence daily activities
Week 5 and 6:
- Deaf Cultural intro, part I-- Discussion of labels; Cultural information and awareness of Deaf cultural tendencies/norms; Deaf people’s needs and rights in a medical setting; Interpreter issues; Interacting with Deaf people in a medical setting
- The Hospital and Sickroom
Week 7 and 8:
- Sensations and Illnesses
- Professionals and procedures (SN III) 1 class—focus on kinds of doctors, what their roles are, etc.
Week 9 and 10:
- Family and friends
- Food and Drink
- Vocabulary related to Deafness
- Medical Survival
Week 11 and 12:
- Deaf Cultural Intro, Part II—What is Deaf Culture? Cochlear Implants and Deaf Culture
- Last class—wrap up—review. Students will present a culminating presentation (dialogue) using all vocabulary and strategies used to communicate with deaf patients.