Able to converse in sign language, and wondering what more you can do with this skill?
Diving into a sign language interpreting programme feels intimidating — this course is designed to plug that gap. The programme will give you a taster of what the sign language interpreting profession has to offer, and the kind of skills you’ll need to hone. Students will be guided by experienced sign language interpreters, both Deaf and hearing, through theoretical and practical class components. These include interpreting simulations and translation exercises.
Learning Outcomes
Learn the fundamentals of interpreting strategies for both sign-to-voice, and voice-to-sign
Appreciate the language variation present in the local Deaf community
Unpack audism and how it impacts the role of the interpreter
Build basic awareness of how language works through understanding prosodic cues of English and SgSL
Acquire the use of common classifiers and apply them when interpreting
Understand the Code of Ethics for sign language interpreters and its nuances
Target Audience
Singapore Sign Language learners who are interested in having a taste of sign language interpreting. Deaf and hearing signers both welcome.
Class Size
Limited to 12 pax
Note: There needs to be a minimum pax of 8 participants to conduct the programme. If the minimum number is not reached, you will be informed before the start of the programme to be refunded. There’s no refund of programme fees once paid, unless the programme is cancelled.
Prerequisites
Fluent in SgSL – able to comfortably and smoothly hold regular conversations with native SgSL users
At least one year of regular interaction and work with the Deaf community
Accessibility
Sessions will be conducted in Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) and English, and as such, there will be no sign-to-voice interpretation provided, as it is a prerequisite for participants to have strong enough receptive skills to attend classes in full SgSL.
If you have any other accessibility requirements, please do let us know in the registration form, or you can email us at training@equaldreams.sg to discuss further.
Pricing
Introduction to the sliding scale pricing model
Our goal: do our best to ensure finances are not a barrier to anyone interested to sign up.
There are 3 tiers: Reduced, General and Supporter.
We invite those with more financial privilege to pay a higher rate (e.g. General or Supporter Rate), and contribute to addressing inequalities; to give more from a place of solidarity, not charity.
We trust your judgement to select the tier that best fits your financial situation, no questions asked. The descriptors of each tier may not fully reflect your situation — please choose one that feels most relatable.
Our rates also honour the time, intention and care that went into designing this programme. By signing up for this programme, you are also contributing to sustaining our small staff team in our ongoing work to deepen disability inclusion and accessibility.
Existing discount codes or vouchers do not apply to this programme.
pricing model
Reduced ($260)
1. Without this rate, you would not be able to join this programme.
2. You have limited income to take part in learning opportunities like this.
3. Your income supports yourself, and others.
General ($320)
1. You have enough income to pay for a programme like this, at the general rate.
2. You have a financial safety net. For example, you have some savings, inheritance, or wealthy friends and family you can depend on if you’re in financial trouble.
Supporter ($400)
1. You have sufficient income to pay for a programme like this, and you can afford to subsidise the cost for those who have financial difficulties.
2. You have a large amount of savings or access to generational wealth (e.g. inheritance, assets). This is more than enough for you, with extra to spare.
Equal Dreams would like to credit and thank IDHA, AORTA and Singapore Improv Festival for inspiring this programme’s approach to pricing.
Trainers
A love for language had Clara pursuing a B.A in Linguistics and Multilingual Studies, which coincided with her learning Singapore Sign Language, out of curiosity about minority linguistic communities. At Equal Dreams, she’s an Accessibility Specialist providing Singapore Sign Language and speech-to-text interpretation in settings like conferences, international sports events, higher education and the arts. She also crafts curriculums and teaches accessibility-related training programmes. Deeply passionate about equity in education, she believes that every individual, like a seed, is meant to grow, with time and the right environment.
An interest in language led Hidayat to chance upon linguistics. From the start, he was fascinated by the theory that language influences how people think and experience the world. During this period, Hidayat was introduced to languages that were different from what he was used to – signed languages. Using the visual-manual modality for communication, his Deaf lecturer (Jarn May!) introduced him to the Deaf culture and Singapore Sign Language (SgSL). Years later, Hidayat found himself working with the Deaf community.
Hidayat began his work with the Deaf community conducting research to support the development of the Singapore Sign Language Signbank. Now, he continues to provide support for resource building through linguistic research while building on his skills in sign language and speech-to-text interpreting.
Jarn May is a prominent Deaf community leader and one of the few Deaf interpreters in Singapore. She has served as the Secretary for the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) Asia Pacific Board (2000-2001), and was an official representative for Singapore in the WFD Asia Pacific Meetings, WFD Congress and, notably, in the 4th WFD Asia Pacific Conference on “Bilingualism in Deaf Education.” She also worked with human rights advocates in ASEAN, participated in the UN 8th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and co-presented on human rights issues and Deaf issues.
Jessica Mak or fondly known as JC, is fluent in multiple sign languages including Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), Singapore Sign Language (SgSL), Japanese Sign Language (JSL), just to name a few. She has years of experience teaching various courses and workshops for deaf and hearing youths/adults, and communities in Malaysia, Philippines, Macau, and Singapore.
Evelyn loves meeting Deaf people from different countries to expand her knowledge and experience on Deaf Culture and Sign Languages across the world. She has been interpreting actively in the Deaf community for 20 years, and has interpreted in various local and international settings. These include at United Nations events, the Deaflympics, police and court cases, arts and theatre, and academic engagements — just to name a few.
