The town of Teror, Gran Canaria, is expanding its commitment to inclusive communication with a new course focused on deafblindness, offering specialized training in sign language tailored to individuals with combined hearing and vision loss. This initiative builds on the success of a recently launched introductory sign language workshop and underscores a growing awareness of the unique communication needs within the community.
The course, offered through the Teror Town Council’s Education Department, aims to equip participants with the skills to effectively communicate with individuals who are deafblind. It’s a practical step toward fostering greater accessibility and understanding, recognizing that deafblindness isn’t simply the sum of its parts, but presents distinct challenges and requires specialized approaches to communication. The program is particularly relevant as awareness grows regarding the importance of tactile sign language and other adapted communication methods.
The new workshop, part of the ‘ENTRESIGNOS II’ project, will run from April 20th to May 11th, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funding for the project comes from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, specifically through its Education and Youth Department, demonstrating a regional commitment to supporting inclusive educational opportunities. The course is free of charge, removing a potential barrier to participation.
Who Can Participate?
The course is open to individuals aged 16 and over, with priority given to residents of Teror and those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or have a strong interest in learning about deaf culture and sign language. However, the program isn’t limited to these groups. Professionals in fields such as pedagogy, psychology, speech therapy, social work, and education are also encouraged to enroll. The Town Council recognizes that effective communication with the deafblind community requires a broad base of understanding across various professional disciplines. Parents and anyone with a personal or professional interest in connecting with the deaf community are also welcome to apply.
With a maximum capacity of 30 students, enrollment will be based on a first-come, first-served basis for those residing in Teror. Interested individuals must register by emailing [email protected], providing their full name, national ID number (DNI), and contact phone number. This structured approach ensures fair access to the limited spaces available.
Beyond Basic Sign Language: Understanding Deafblind Communication
The course’s focus on ‘Sordoceguera’ – the Spanish term for deafblindness – highlights a specialized area within communication accessibility. While standard sign language relies heavily on visual cues, communicating with someone who is deafblind requires adapting techniques to utilize tactile signing, where the receiver feels the signs on their hands. This can involve tracking handshapes, movements, and facial expressions (when some residual vision is present). The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) provides comprehensive information on the complexities of deafblindness and the various communication methods used.
The program follows a successful introductory course in basic sign language, which ran from February 9th to April 15th. This initial offering demonstrates a clear demand for sign language education within the community and laid the groundwork for this more specialized training. The location for both courses is the Punto Joven (Youth Center) in Teror, providing a dedicated space for learning and interaction.
The Importance of Inclusive Education
This initiative reflects a broader trend toward inclusive education and accessibility. Providing opportunities for individuals to learn sign language, particularly in specialized areas like deafblind communication, empowers both the learners and the community they serve. It breaks down communication barriers, fosters greater understanding, and promotes social inclusion. The Cabildo de Gran Canaria’s financial support for the ‘ENTRESIGNOS II’ project demonstrates a commitment to these principles.
The course schedule consists of seven sessions, taking place on April 20th, 22nd, 27th, 29th, May 4th, 6th, and 11th. This concentrated format allows for focused learning and skill development within a relatively short timeframe.
Looking ahead, the Town Council has not yet announced plans for further sign language courses beyond this workshop. However, the success of the initial courses and the strong community interest suggest that continued investment in accessibility initiatives is likely. Individuals interested in staying informed about future opportunities can monitor the Teror Town Council’s official website for updates.
We encourage readers to share this information with anyone who might benefit from this valuable learning opportunity. Your comments and questions are welcome below.
