[Cabs-talk] New Topic!

[Bruce Sexton Jr.]

Dear Darian and List,

I took an intermediate sign language course at Las Positas Community 
College.  I received an "A" in the class without preferential treatment.  I 
had an interpreter with me in the class who was able to whisper everything 
the professor was signing to the rest of the class.  We then worked two to 
three hours outside of class where we went through the course assignments. 
My tutor would describe the signs based on hand forms.  For example:  My 
tutor would say: "shape both hands in the form of a sign language "d," face 
both pointer fingers toward me and then make a circle with them towards 
yourself.  If I was unable to understand the verbal directions, I would 
touch my tutor's hands, or my tutor would shape my hands into a form when I 
did not know it already.

Facial expressions are important in sign language, but I think it comes 
naturally to most.  For example. when signing monkey, you shape your mouth 
into a small "o" or as if you are going to whistle, and you raise your 
eyebrows.  These things can be described and mastered by any blind person. 
Many times, the facial expressions are "the raising of the eyebrows."  When 
you say surprise or excited you make a face that expresses those emotions. 
I know that if you want to take sign language, and you can find a tutor, 
that you could do well in the class.  If you want more information or you 
have other questions, don't hesitate to write me off list! :)

Yours Sincerely,
B.J.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Darian Smith" <dsmithnfb at gmail.com>
To: "cabs-talk" <cabs-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 12:46 PM
Subject: [Cabs-talk] New Topic!


> So at the risk of being a wet blanket... anyone up for a topic change?
> So.. I'm looking into taking sign language classes at berkley city
> college.  After a little bit of asking around the concern that was
> posed from the head of the   ASL department was  that due to the fact
> that there are  spacial and  facial considerations that are more
> visual in nature, they were not  sure how I would do in the class.
> it's it worth noting that they did suggest talking to  the DSO about
> accomidations  for the  class. they did say that they   have had
> visually impaired students in this class, but they've had to drop  out
> because of the frustration and the  amount  of information being
> presented in the class.
> people's thoughts?
>  Darian
>
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