Southern Leyte State U employees, student leaders undergo sign language interpreting training

Some 26 employees and student leaders of Southern Leyte State University underwent a two-day training on sign language interpreter on May 23-24, 2022 spearheaded by the office of External Linkages and International Affairs (ELIA).

“In order to accommodate differentially-abled students, especially deaf students, Southern Leyte State U is initiating a human resource training and development in sign language interpreting for faculty, staff, and student leaders,” said by ELIA Director Dr. Lilibeth Tindugan in her speech highlighting that state universities and colleges are encouraged to offer an accessible learning environment for all types of students.

The training is initiated by the Center for Language and Culture (CFLC) in coordination with the Department of Elementary of Education of Southern Leyte State U-Tomas Oppus Campus. Resource speakers are coming from Southern Leyte State U and Sogod Central School of the Department of Education (DepEd) with facilitators from the deaf community.

The sign language interpreting training program is critical in accounting for parental disadvantages and overcoming educational disparities. This is relevant, substantial, and valuable for the welfare of deaf students who will be enrolling in Southern Leyte State U, both local and international students, to also support the University in its endeavor towards internationalization. Moreover, such training aims to impart new skills for faculty members, staff and student leaders in communication to improve skills in accommodating students who are differentially –abled, more particularly the deaf and mute communities. This initiative shall strengthen the skill gaps in nonverbal communication, boost employee confidence, stimulate growth, productivity, all of which can improve the University's overall performance

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