This introduction session face-to-face in Laois Education Centre is suitable for primary and post-primary teachers  who like the idea of learning sign language but who, as of yet, do not want to commit to a block of lessons. The class will comprise general information around Deafness / deafness (Deafness for those who are involved in Deaf community and deaf for people with a hearing loss that are predominantly involved in the hearing community) and the perspectives on deafness for both D/deaf/ hard of hearing and hearing people. There will be a brief history of Irish Sign Language (ISL) and how it differs from other sign languages etc. 

After all the theory the course will look at the alphabet, as this is the foundation for the vast majority of words in ISL.

The facilitator will follow with teaching a small few words, verbs phrases etc in ISL; the aim being that each person could go home being able to sign ' hello my name is......', 'I'm a teacher', 'I teach in ......' 'How are you?', 'I'm good, thank you' etc.

If there is sufficient interest, a follow-on five week course will take place on Monday 16th & 23rd October, 6th, 13th & 20th November.

Facilitator: Mary Guest, Primary School teacher and ISL Interpreter. Mary took a career break for 2 years to study ISL Interpreting in TCD where she qualified as an interpreter in 2005. Previous to her studies in TCD Mary was seconded by the Department of Education to work as Visiting Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Laois/Offaly area for 6 months. Mary interpreted at last year's Portlaoise Musical Society's performance of 'Sunshine on Leith'