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FSC2528 An Introduction to Sign Language and Deaf Awareness
Course Description
“An Introduction to Sign Language and Deaf Awareness” is an online course designed to provide educators with a foundational understanding of Irish Sign Language (ISL), deaf culture, and the needs of individuals with hearing difficulties. This course aims to create a more inclusive environment in educational settings and beyond by equipping participants with the skills to communicate effectively in ISL and promoting an awareness of deaf culture. From learning the ISL alphabet and basic vocabulary to exploring deaf advocacy and strategies for creating deaf-friendly schools, this course covers essential aspects to foster an inclusive community.
- Foundational ISL Skills: Gain a solid foundation in ISL, including the alphabet, numbers, and essential vocabulary for everyday communication.
- Deaf Culture and Awareness: Deepen your understanding of deaf issues, the significance of ISL, and the Irish Sign Language Act of 2017.
- Inclusive Educational Practices: Learn strategies for creating deaf-friendly schools and classrooms, and explore how ISL can facilitate inclusion within the school community.
- Advocacy and Rights: Discover the roles of deaf advocates in promoting deaf rights and awareness, and understand the experiences and needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in Ireland.
- School Self-Evaluation Integration: Review how ISL can be integrated into the curriculum and the School Self-Evaluation process to promote a more inclusive learning environment.
This course is ideal for primary and secondary school teachers, school leaders, and anyone interested in learning ISL and promoting deaf awareness. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to make their classrooms and schools more inclusive and accessible for students with hearing difficulties.
Enrol today and take the first step towards bridging the communication gap and fostering a supportive environment for all members of the educational community.
Essential Details
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Course Information
EPV Days – this course is approved by the Dept. of Education for qualification of EPV days. The more courses you select, the more EPV days you receive:
- 1 online course – 3 EPV days entitlement
- 2 online courses – 4 EPV days entitlement
- 3 online courses – 5 EPV days entitlement
Requirements: All our courses are run in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills criteria.
Training Period: Courses begin on Tuesday, 1st July 2025 at 9:00am and must be completed by Friday, 22nd August 2025 at 5.00pm.
Course Length: Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study including time to complete any assessments.
Support: The Discussion forums are facilitated by expert moderators.
Course Fees: Courses may be purchased either online or by phone.
- One course €69
- Two courses €89
- Three courses €99
Questions and Support: Our Support team are on hand to answer all your queries, either by phone, live chat or e-mail.
Certification: When you have successfully completed your course, you will receive your CPD Certificate.
- Study Online
- 5-Star Reviews
People love training with us! Our average review score is 5/5
- Award Winning
Winner of “Best Online Education Experience” at the Education Awards 2022
- Human Support
We have 8 offices across Ireland with teams ready to help via phone, email, forums & chat
- 5 EPV Days for €99
All our courses are approved for EPV days from the Dept of Education
- No Risk Guarantee
Full course fees refund if you’re not happy for any reason within 21 days of enrolment
Course Content
Module 1: An Introduction to Irish Sign Language
- Develop awareness of the background and significance of ISL.
- Understand the Irish Sign Language Recognition Act.
- Learn the ISL alphabet, numbers, dates, and short words.
Module 2: Deaf Issues, the Importance of Irish Sign Language and the Irish Sign Language Act 2017
- Master routine vocabulary and vocabulary related to emotions in ISL.
- Learn colors in ISL.
- Explore deaf awareness and the importance of peer awareness in understanding deaf issues.
Module 3: Deaf Awareness
- Explore strategies for creating Deaf-friendly schools and classrooms.
- Learn ISL vocabulary related to questions, requests, and workplace environments, specifically schools.
- Study the NCSE document on deaf and hard of hearing children in Ireland to gain insights into their experiences and needs.
Module 4: The Hearing & Deaf Worlds and Inclusion
- Master sign language for expressing hobbies, pastimes, and interests, as well as for food and drink.
- Learn about deaf advocates and their roles in promoting deaf rights and awareness.
- Explore how ISL can facilitate inclusion within the school community.
Module 5: The School Self-Evaluation Process
- Review the School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process and its requirements.
- Explore the “Looking at Our Schools” document and how it applies to ISL.
- Investigate the use of ISL in the curriculum through a Sample SIP focusing on poetry, language exploration, and the playful and creative use of language, including listening and responding to poetry, rhyme, rap, and song using ISL.
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How to Enrol
- 1. Select Your Course
Select your preferred course and click “Add to Cart”
- 2. Find More Courses
Continue to review our complete course list and select other courses by clicking “Add to Cart” on each course page.
- 3. Check Order
When you have selected and added all your courses, click on the shopping cart icon at the top of the page or click on the “Go to Checkout” button.
- 4. Check Out
On the checkout page, you should see all courses listed with total course fees and discounts included (€69 for single courses, €89 for two courses, €99 for three courses)
- 5. Make Payment
Complete the form and add your payment details. The click “Confirm Enrolment” to securely process payment and enrol.
- 6. Receive Login Credentials
Once payment is confirmed, you should receive an confirmation email with your login details (this may arrive in your email “Spam” folder).
- 7. Start Training
You should then be able to login and commence your training. If you are enrolling before the the course start date, you’ll find that you can only access the course after the start date and time.
- 8. Receive Certificate
Once you have completed your training and all the required steps outlined in the course, you’ll be able to request your certificate to download / print and progress to your next course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you expected to do to complete the course?
The course completion requirements are as follows:
You are required to post two comments to the forum post at the end of each module throughout the course. Each contribution is required to be at least 100 words.
Your progression from module to module is contingent on the successful completion of these assignments.
The end of course reflective assignment must demonstrate achievement of the course’s stated learning outcomes.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 10 hours online and an additional 10 hours either online or offline
How do I access the courses I booked on the site?
If you signed up for your course online you will have received an email with login details to start your training. Please check your spam/junk email folder as it may have landed in there.
I’ve one of my courses completed and my end of course assignment is not graded yet. Why is there a delay?
All our course facilitators monitor the progress of every teacher on their respective course so please allow up to 2 weeks for the grade and feedback for the End of Course assignment.
How are the courses structured?
The courses contain 5 modules each of which is made up of individual lessons.
How much time do I need to spend at the course?
You are required to engage with the course for a total of 20 hours (10 Hours online is mandatory and the remaining 10 hours can be online or offline for other learning activities)
Can I spread the 20 hours over a period of time or complete it all in a couple of days?
Yes you can decide to do either. It is up to you what way you want to complete the course, once you demonstrate engagement for a total of 20 hours (10 of these must be online)
I am wondering after each module are you required to reply to the forum post? If so, how many comments?
You are required to post to the forum posts at the end of each module throughout the course. You will need to post two comments. Each contribution is required to be at least 100 words.
I cannot progress to the next module, even though I have completed the previous module and all questions / assignments?
This is usually caused by not meeting the criteria for completing the previous module, in particular posting at least two contributions to the course forum.
What is the minimum length of answer for the End of Course Reflective Assignment?
The minimum word count is to be no less than 300 words and not more than 500 words.
How do I know how I am progressing if I do not receive a grade until after I have completed the course? I’m afraid I will fail!
Naturally, like most courses, it is only possible to evaluate your grade when you have completed the course.
There is two parts to the assessment:
<strong>1. Meeting the Minimum Criteria:</strong> You are required to complete all 5 modules, regularly contribute to the course forum after each module (at least 2 meaningful contributions per module).
<strong>2. Assignments:</strong> You must complete Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and posts to the forums at the end of each module, as well as an overall End of Course Assignment. Once you have met each of these conditions, you should qualify for your EPV days and receiving your Flúirse certificate of completion.
You’ll be glad to hear that ALL our course facilitators monitor the progress of every teacher on their respective course and will always inform them before the course closing date if they do not appear to have met the above criteria for any reason.
More questions? Check our FAQ Section.
Why Train With Us?
- Training Irish Primary School Teachers Online Since 2007
Train when and where it suits you: from your Laptop, Phone or Tablet
- 8 Diverse Categories with Over 48 Courses Now Enrolling
We now offer over 48 highly practical courses designed specifically for Irish Primary School Teachers
- All Courses Dept of Education Approved for EPV Days
All our courses are approved by the Dept. of Education for EPV days allowing you to earn between 3 and 5 days
- Secure 5 EPV Days for Just €99
All our courses are approved for EPV days from the Dept of Education
- 21 Day No Quibble Refund Option On All Courses
Full course fees refund if you’re not happy for any reason within 21 days of enrolment
- All Online Training Supported By Real People!
We have 8 offices across Ireland with teams ready to help via phone, email, forums & chat
- Award Winning Irish Organisation
Winner of “Best Online Education Experience” at the Education Awards 2022
- 5 Star Reviews
People love training with us! Our average review score is 5/5






