Learning sign language is a highly relevant skill when working in public health or a medical facility. Being able to communicate with deaf patients is a skill that will help save valuable time and money on interpreters if a patient that is deaf needs to communicate with you.
It is just as important for disadvantaged members of our community to be able to access the same health services as able bodied members, and having health practitioners who speak their language is a great bonus to them.
Not only this, but possessing sign language skills is an added advantage when job seeking, with this skill giving extra employability in the public health job market.
Where to learn sign language
Providers of Auslan (Australian Sign Language) classes are available throughout Australia. Depending on your state, you will be able to study Auslan at many TAFE institutes, universities, and community colleges. Students can learn Auslan in a number of ways, for example studying part time with an evening course, which will usually last around 8 weeks in duration at one night a week.
Alternatively, some universities offer Auslan courses that progress from beginner to advanced over a period of several semesters of part time study. For those who wish to have complete flexibility with study, Auslan is also taught online by providers such as OTEN (Open Training and Education Network), who give students complete flexibility of when and where they study.
Students can also learn Auslan at different skill levels, ranging from beginners to intermediate, to advanced. Beginner classes may cover simple dialogue and gestures, where more advanced courses may cover more specific signs, as well as requests, descriptive signs, or fingerspelling. Courses range widely in price, depending on how you choose to study.
Knowing how to use sign language is a huge positive for those wishing to work in community and public health, with the advantage given to members of the deaf community who are able to communicate freely with you. Compare Courses can help you find the nearest provider of sign language lessons and find the information you need to enroll.