From the newsroom of The University Times (UNC Charlotte), Charlotte,
North
Carolina, Friday, February 13, 2004 .....

American Sign Language courses grow in popularity

by Sila Vlachou
UT Asst. A&E Editor

The fastest growing foreign language taught in U.S. higher education is
not actually a foreign language. American Sign Language classes have
been introduced in 168 colleges and universities since 1998, according
to a 2002 survey by the Modern Language Association of America. In
total, 234 institutions across the country offer ASL courses to over
60,000
students.

Despite the growing national trend, UNC Charlotte does not offer any
sign language courses under the foreign language or special education
programs. There are no plans in the works to establish such courses in
the future.

According to Martha Miller, languages and culture studies department
chair, sign language courses have not traditionally been part of foreign
language departments. "We have had such growth in our department in
other languages that we haven't contemplated being able to add that,"
said Miller.

In 2002-2003, there were 192 students majoring in foreign languages, up
19 percent from the previous year. There were 158 foreign language
minors, up 43 percent from the previous year.

"We've had a much larger increase in the major, much faster than the
University's enrollment," said Miller. "We're struggling to keep up with
our enrollment."

Miller said Charlotte's evolution into becoming an international city
may have stimulated the growth in foreign languages.

According to Jo Ann Fernald, assistant director for UNCC's disability
services department, she has not personally seen demand for such
courses.

She stressed her department is there to serve disabled students and not
establish new courses, but said there are alternatives for students
wanting to learn the language.

"Central Piedmont Community College has a terrific program offering the
sign language course," said Fernald.

One of the most critical components for any program for deaf and hard of
hearing students is interpreting services, and this is what CPCC is
offering through disability services.

"The success of a student's educational experience is greatly dependent
on the quality and availability of interpreting services," said Patricia
Adams, counselor for disability services at CPCC.

CPCC employs highly qualified, certified interpreters who are skilled in
using American Sign Language. They function as a communication channel
between the student and the instructor. Deaf and hard of hearing
students may also request interpreting services for clubs and
organizations supported by the college.

"Certain reasonable schedule adjustments may be necessary in order to
provide interpreting services for students who need them," said Adams.

The biggest thing about studying ASL or taking courses in sign language
is how it changes your perspective on the deaf.

"I didn't really think that there were many people around our school
that are deaf, but now I do see a lot in my classes," said UNCC senior
geology major Rhea Cresencia.

Copyright 2004 The University Times


____________________________________
Steve Hamerdinger
Director, Office of Deaf Services
ALDMHMR
100 North Union, Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 353-4701 (TTY)
(334) 242-3643 (Voice)



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