The Siena School for Liberal Arts, located in Tuscany Italy, offers a unique 3 week study abroad experience in Summer 2008 for American Sign Language users, Deaf and hearing.

Program dates:
Arrival on June 1st
end of program on June 22

These two distinct programs give ASL users an opportunity to learn Italian Sign Language in a formal setting. The Language and Culture Program for Deaf Adults brings Deaf Italians and Deaf Americans together for a fantastic opportunity for cultural and linguistic exchange. Americans learn Lingua Italiana dei Signi (Italian Sign Language or LIS) and written Italian, while the Italians learn American Sign Language and written English. Students are housed in apartments in the city center for a full opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills.

The Summer Program for LIS and Deaf Studies brings hearing students who know ASL from all over America to learn LIS, written and spoken Italian and Italian Deaf culture. Outside the classroom, students stay with local hearing families and are completely immersed in Italian culture and language. Students are also required to complete or participate in a final project which gives back to the Deaf community; last year's students assisted with documenting the life history of two Deaf women.

The programs are geared towards college students and, if prearranged with the home institution, have the opportunity to earn college credit. All classes are taught by native users. In addition to classroom activities, the programs have a variety of opportunities to interact with the local Deaf community. Students also go on excursions to various museums, landmarks and other events where using LIS and Italian are reinforced. For information regarding the Deaf program, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com/new-projects/language-for-deaf-adults.aspx.

For information regarding the hearing program, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com/new-projects/summer-program-in-lis-and-deaf-studies.aspx .

For information on the Siena School for Liberal Arts, please visit: http://www.sienaschool.com.

If you would like to receive brochures, have questions and/or comments, please email Scottie Allen.  

Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center announced Summer Institute for 2008. Please visit the Clerc Center's Summer Institute web site.

Summer Institute 2008 - Dates and Titles of Workshops and Trainings

June 23 – June 27
Sharing Books Using ASL and Deaf Cultural Literacy Practices: Preschool – Grade 8

June 23 – 24
See the Sound Visual Phonics Play Therapy with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

June 25 – 26
Spoken Language and Sign: Optimizing Learning for Children with Cochlear Implants

June 23 – 25
Portfolios for Student Growth: Linking Academics and Self-Awareness for Lifelong Success

June 25
Sandtray Play Therapy Techniques with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children

June 26 – 27
Sexuality Education: An Emotionally Intelligent Way of Teaching Human Sexuality to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

June 30 – July 3
Lego Robotics Teacher Training

June 30 – July 1
Nine Areas of Literacy: Featuring Literacy—It All Connects, and Language Planning

July 2
Reading to Deaf Children: Learning from Deaf Adults

July 3
Read It Again and Again

July 7 – 11 TecEds Digital Storytelling July 14 – 18 Integrated Global Science Teacher Training

Since 1997, Mark Myers has operated the Colligate Education for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at the Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, CT.

He will start his new job as the Provost on August 14, 2008 at the Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf (SWCID) in Howard County Junior College in Texas.  His wife Alyssa will join him in leaving the State of Connecticut on July 31, 2008. Thank you, Mark and Alyssa, for your leadership in our community.

The Board of the CCOSD wish Mark and Alyssa happiness with their new venture!

Press release by SWCID at the website.