• Financial Aid (grants)
• VESID
• Scholarships
• Loan
• Self- Payment

About the Program for Deaf Adults’ Support Services
How do I choose the right major or decide my career goal?
Academic counselor is available who can communicate with Deaf/hard of hearing students, to assist them in academic and career planning, course advisement, registration assistance, and personal and reasonable accommodations.

What type of accommodations can I request?

• Basic Skills Reading and Writing
• Interpreter
• C-Print Captioning
• Note taker
• Tutor
• Assertive listening devices
• TTY Access
• Testing Accommodations
• Job Development Coach

How do I receive these services?
PDA students can meet with Academic Counselor who will identify services that will meet their specific needs.

How many credits do I have to earn?
One needs 60 credits, or equivalent of requirement courses.

How long does it typically take to complete the AA or AS degree?
Two to three years, depending on how many.

What happens if I cannot decide the right major?
PDA can provide students with decision-making and life-planning skills that prepare students for life-long success. They help students learn about their major and its relationship to their career goals, help undecided students choose a major, assist students in selecting alternative majors when necessary.

Will LaGuardia Community College help me to transfer me to senior college?
PDA will teach students to select the courses necessary to complete their degree requirements. Students also will explore transfer options and learn to use transfer articulation agreements and college catalogs.

How to contact us:
Kim Lucas, Academic Counselor
LaGuardia Community College
Program for Deaf Adults
31-10 Thomson Ave Room, C204
Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 482-5324 Voice
(718) 482-5311 TTY
Email: KimLuc@Lagcc.cuny.edu

INTERPRETER SERVICES

• Deaf/hard-of-hearing students enrolled at LaGuardia Community College in mainstream academic courses including: classroom situations; meetings with professors or administrators; field trips and other meetings/events that are course requirements.
• Deaf staff members attending LaGCC meetings/events
• LaGCC events open to the general College Community or to the outside community

• Students are responsible for requesting interpreters for their classes and other course-related situations.
• Persons in charge of scheduling LaGCC events/meetings/workshops/etc. are responsible for the request.

• Students should submit a copy of their course registration form as soon as they have registered for classes. The Coordinator should receive a copy of any course/class/room changes as soon as they occur.
• Students needing an interpreter for situations other than classroom should come to C-204 and complete an “Interpreter Services Request Form.
• Staff who need to arrange for interpreting services can contact the Coordinator either by telephone or e-mail to make the request.

Why Should I Request An Interpreter?
In accordance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals are accorded the right to have equal access to services provided at post-secondary institutions. LaGuardia Community College is committed to ensuring that these rights are protected for their staff and students.

Is There A Charge For Interpreter Services?
Interpreting services are provided at no charge to Deaf/hard-of-hearing students and staff. Divisions, departments or committees sponsoring events will be billed for interpreter services provided.

ACADEMIC BASIC SKILLS COURSES, CUNY ACT & CPE

In the basic reading course, you discuss and read and write about various themes, using a variety of books, news articles, and essays. An Internet research project is built into all courses. You are taught to summarize, respond to as well as question your reading. You are also taught how to best use a dictionary to figure out the meaning of words you do not know. The lab component of this course prepares you to take the CUNY-ACT test of reading (see below).

The basic writing course prepares you to write college-level essays – the kind of writing expected in Freshman Composition (English 101). You should expect to write about 9 essays, some of which will be practice essays for the CUNY-ACT test of writing (see below). Grammar instruction is heavily emphasized as is learning to use readings to develop ideas for essays and to support points made in proving a thesis.

What Are The CUNY-ACT Tests Of Reading And Writing?
CUNY-ACT reading and writing tests do two:

1. they determine if you need to take basic reading and writing courses
2. after completing basic reading and writing courses, they determine if you are ready to take Freshman Composition (English 101)

What Are The CUNY-ACT Tests Of Reading And Writing Like?
The CUNY-ACT test of reading is composed of three long reading passages with eight questions about each passage. These 24 questions ask you to find the main idea, details and inferred points of the passages. Deaf students are allowed double time to take it which means approximately 2 hours. A score of 65 at the time of admisssion means you do not need to take basic reading courses. A score of 65 after successfully completing CSE099 means that you have completed the basic reading sequence of courses.

For the CUNY-ACT test of writing, you must write a letter to a specific person or committee member suggesting which of two proposals you think is better. You must give reasons why you support a particular proposal in two or three body paragraphs and add a conclusion which briefly re-states and emphasizes your points. Two readers each give your letter a score between 1 and 6. You must have a combined score of 7 to pass the CUNY-ACT writing test.

What Are CSX200 Courses And CSX Workshops?
If you do not pass the CUNY-ACT test of reading after you have passed CSE099, you must register to take a CSX200 course to help you pass the CUNY-ACT test of reading. If you still do not pass the CUNY-ACT test of reading after taking a CSX200 course, you must register for CSX workshops which typically run for 5 hours a few weeks before the CUNY-ACT test of reading is given. If you fail the test again, you must take the CSX workshops again before being allowed to take the CUNY-ACT test of reading again. If you pass the CUNY-ACT test of reading, but do not pass CSE099, you must re-take CSE099.

What Are ENZ099 COURSES?
You must take an ENZ099 course if you have passed basic writing (ENA099) but failed the CUNY-ACT test of writing. This course will help you pass the CUNY-ACT test of writing. If you fail the test again, you must take ENZ099again before being allowed to take the CUNY-ACT test of writing again. You will not be allowed to take the CUNY-ACT test of writing if you fail ENA099. If you receive an R in ENA099 and pass the CUNY-ACT test of writing, your R-grade will be changed to a grade of D.

What Is The CUNY PROFICIENCY EXAM?
The CUNY PROFICIENCY EXAM (CPE) tests students’ ability to understand and think critically about ideas and information and to write clearly, logically, and correctly at a level associated with success in junior-level courses. There are two tasks to the exam:

1. Analytic Reading and Writing (2 hours)
   You will be given two reading selections: a 6-8 page selection to be studied in advance and an additional 1 to 1 1/2 page selection at the time of testing. You are required to write a focused essay, drawing a relationship between specified elements of the two readings and extending it to your own perspective or experience.

2. Analyzing and Integrating Material from Graphsand Text (1 hour) At the test you will be given a set of materials – two charts and a brief reading passage – on the same or similar topics. You must state the major claims of the reading selection and discuss whether the data from the charts support or challenge the major claims.

What Are The Rules And Procedures That Apply To Taking The CPE?
You must take the CPE for the first time between the 45^th and 60^th credit. You may take the CPE three times.

How Do I Register For The CPE?
LaGuardia will send letters to students who have 45+ credits reminding them to register about 2-3 weeks before the test date. We encourage students to speak to Kim Lucas if they are approaching the 45^th credit so that preparation workshops can be offered.

How Is The CPE SCORED?
Two trained faculty readers read your response to each task. If the two readers disagree, a third reader reads your response. Each reader rates your responses on a scale of six points.

PDA CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

What are examples of the classes offered?

• ACADEMIC STUDIES FOR DEAF ADULTS PROGRAM (ASDA)
  • Reading
  
  
  • Writing
  
  
  • Math

• INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
  • Specific academic needs
  
  
  • Regents Exam Preparatory
  
  
  • Citizenship

• COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
  • Keyboarding and TTY Skills
  
  
  • Introduction to PC
  
  
  • Computer Technology Skills for English Literacy
  
  
  • Computer Maintenance for Deaf Non-Technicians
  
  
  • Web Page Design
  
  
  • Microsoft Office 2000

• DRIVING LEARNER’S PERMIT EDUCATION

• AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
  • Introduction to ASL
  
  
  • Continuing Education ASL classes (4 different levels)
  
  
  • Intensive Study in ASL (three advanced levels)

I have taken and passed some of the RCT tests but failed Global Studies and American History tests. Can I take a class to prepare myself for these RCT tests?
Another component of the ASDA curriculum is Individual Instruction. One-to-one instruction is offered to students with specific academic needs, such as Regent’s Competency and GED Exams preparation, citizenship, etc. One-to-one instructions are provided to Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing and late deafened adults to assist them in all their educational needs. Individual Instruction is available in different two-hour sessions: 6 sessions, 12 sessions, and 18 sessions, and can be scheduled at any time depending on the availability of a teacher to meet with a student.

What are the differences between Continuing Education ASL Program and the Intensive Study in ASL Program?
The main difference is the length of classroom instruction, of which the Cont. Ed. ASL Program, consisting of four sequential levels of Saturday morning classes, offers 24 hours per quarter while the Intensive Study in ASL Program (ISASL), including four different levels, offers 45 hours per session.

How do I pay for the classes?
You can pay for the classes via personal check, money order or credit card. There is also a program that can help you with the monthly payments. If you have an active case opened with a VESID counselor, you can meet your counselor to discuss your educational and vocational goals. If you are eligible, the VESID counselor can help pay for your classes.

For further information, Yakov Shifrin at the PDA’s Continuing Education Programs can be reached by phone:
718-482-5324 Voice
718-482-5325 TTY
718-482-5353 TTY
E-mail: Yshifrin@lagcc.cuny.edu

INTERPRETER EDUCATION PROJECTS

ABOUT THE PROFESSION

What does a sign language interpreter do?
American Sign Language/English interpreters are highly skilled professionals whose responsibility it is to promote effective cross-cultural, cross-linguistic communication between deaf and hearing individuals of diverse backgrounds. In order to understand a message given in one language and produce an equivalent message in the other language, they must be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and English and must understand the cultures of the groups with which they work.

What is the job market for interpreters?
Sign language interpreting is a rapidly expanding field. There is a great need for qualified interpreters with credentials. Interpreters are employed by schools, government agencies, and private businesses. They may work in medical, legal, political, theatrical and many other arenas. Part-time, full-time, freelance and salaried positions are available in New York and across the country. Many of our graduates work with interpreter referral agencies as freelance interpreters. This offers them flexibility in hours and job settings.

What is meant by "qualified" or "credentialed"?
The Americans with Disabilities Act requires the provision of qualified interpreters in a variety of settings. One important measure of an interpreter’s qualifications is professional credentials. Credentials are obtained by taking and passing an assessment of your skills. The National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) provides testing for national certification. Assessment by The National Association for the Deaf (NAD) may also be accepted by employers. In some states, a state agency offers a Quality Assurance (QA) assessment. However New York State does not have such a credentialing system.

Will LaGuardia’s Interpreter Education Program prepare me to get my credentials? When I graduate, will I be a certified interpreter?
The certificate you receive upon graduation documents your completion of the program. The background, skills development and theory learned at LaGuardia’s program are extremely beneficial in getting your national certification. Upon completion of this program, most graduates are able to pass the RID written exam. (Some have even passed the performance exam). If you are active in the interpreting field and within Deaf communities, and if you continue to upgrade your knowledge and skills through mentoring and workshops, you should be able to pass the RID skills certification within one to five years.

What kind of salary can I expect to earn?
Salaries will vary depending on many factors. These include a) education, b) amount of experience, c) credentials and d) geographical area. (New York City is one of the highest paying areas). Some interpreters work for an agency, business, government organization or school system and have guaranteed salary and fringe benefits. Others work freelance, generally at higher hourly rates of pay, but without benefits. In either case, there is a lot of demand for good interpreters and it is a viable and satisfying way to earn a living. You may want to call interpreter referral agencies and school systems to get specific information about the area of interpreting that interests you

Where else can I get information about the field of interpreting?
You can contact the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, Inc. at: RID or (703) 838-0050 (V) (703) 838-0459 (TTY)

ABOUT LAGUARDIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S INTERPRETER EDUCATION PROGRAM

What are the requirements to get into the Interpreter Education Program?
The program is seeking candidates who are actively involved in the Deaf community and can demonstrate fluency in both ASL and English as well as an aptitude for learning processed interpretation. The program does not require prior interpreting experience or prior study in interpretation. Educational background and potential success in an academic environment are key factors. The Admission process involves:

• The Pre-Screening Application (application fee, form, essay, videotape)
  Only selected pre-screening Applicants will become Candidates for:
• Admission Screening (on-site reading/written response and live panel interview)
• Notification Results of Admission Screening (acceptance into program or other recommendations

I’ve heard you can get a Certificate or a B.A. from the LaGuardia program. How is it possible to get a Bachelor’s degree by taking a program at a Community College?
LaGuardia has an agreement with the State University of New York – Empire State College (SUNY-ESC) to offer a joint program.  Student may take the  A.A. in Deaf Studies at LaGuardia, apply for admission into the LaGuardia Interpreter program and then complete the B.A. in Cultural Studies: ASL/English Interpretation through SUNY-ESC. Students pursuing the B.A. degree use the LaGuardia interpretation program as the Concentration (“Major”).

Applicants who have other AA degrees or the equivalent of 2 years of college study and are fluent in ASL and English may also apply for admission to the interpretation program.

What is the difference between taking the program for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Studies:ASL/English Interpretation and taking it for a Certificate of Completion only?
Students pursuing either the B.A. degree or the Certificate will take the same courses in the ASL/English Interpretation program. Students who do not yet have an Associate’s level degree or equivalent college experience may take the LaGuardia A.A. program in Deaf Studies and then take the remaining, Upper Division courses for the B.A. at SUNY-ESC, with the LaGuardia ASL/English Interpretation program courses as the Concentration.

For those who already have a Bachelor’s degree or higher and the broad-based education that implies, the Certificate will provide the content-specific course of study that will enable them to move into or advance in the interpreting field.

How long is the program?
The Interpreter Education Program is a two-year, six trimester course of study. Applications are accepted in the Spring, and students begin the program in the Fall, only. The courses are sequential and build one upon the other.

When and where are classes offered?
Regardless of whether you are taking the interpreting courses for a B.A. degree or a Certificate of Completion only, classes in the interpretation program are held at LaGuardia Community College. There are three trimesters a year, Fall, Winter and Spring. We offer evening classes and labs Monday through Thursday, depending on the trimester. Most courses are 3 hours long and meet once a week. There are 3 internships throughout the program. An Internship Seminar involves 8 – 10 hours of classroom sessions and 50 or 100 hours of field placement, depending on the level.

If I am interested in a specialty area of interpreting like legal, medical, religious or performance interpreting, how do I pursue that?
Your internship experiences may expose you to some of these interpreting settings. However, these specialty areas require skills and training beyond general interpreting. You must first develop strong general skills in interpreting. Then, workshops, courses and mentoring are available around the country. Whatever specialty is your preference, get a good solid base in general interpreting first.

Will my previous college coursework transfer?
If you have taken courses in another interpretation program we will look at the content and depth of your prior course work to see if it is a reasonable substitute for a course in the LaGuardia program and if so, you will not have to take the LaGuardia course.

For your general education courses, SUNY- Empire State College accepts course transfers from any accredited college or university in the country. There is no specific limitation on how long ago the courses were taken, as long as the course content remains relevant. They may also allocate advanced standing credit for other types of experiential learning.

FINANCES

How much will it cost me to complete the program? Is financial aid available?
Currently there is a funding available for students taking the interpretation program courses as part of a BA Degree or Professional Certificate.  The US Department of Education provides student support in exchange for working in the field in the field upon graduation.  Contact Rob Hills (718-482-5313 or roberth@lagcc.cuny.edu) for additional information about the service obligation.

Can I work while attending the program?
We recognize that many interpreting students must also work part-time or even full-time*. Therefore, all our courses are offered during the evening. Be aware, though, that in trimesters when you are on internship placements, you will have to commit daytime hours.

Although we acknowledge that working while attending school is difficult, our instructors have the same high expectations for all students. We suggest you consider all the demands on your time before committing to the program.

* We strongly discourage you from working as an interpreter while a student in the program.

GETTING INVOLVED

How can I find out about what’s happening in the Deaf and interpreting communities?
The NAD, RID, Inc., NYC Metro RID and other local and national organizations such as the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI), and state chapters of NAD such as the Empire State Association of the Deaf (ESAD) all have newsletters you receive as a member. Check out the bulletin boards outside the Interpreter Education Projects office, C239, and the Program for Deaf Adults office, C204, for postings, too.

ABOUT SIGN LANGUAGE

Is sign language universal?
Sign language is no more universal than spoken languages. American Sign Language is the language used by a majority of people in the Deaf community in the United States and most of Canada (QSL is used in Quebec). Certain Caribbean countries and areas of Mexico also use ASL.

What is the difference between ASL and English-type sign languages?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a distinct language. While it borrows elements from spoken English and old French sign language, it has unique grammatical, lexical and linguistic features of its own. It is not English on the hands. English-type signing is not a natural language. Many deaf people have been educated through the Oral method (speech and speech-reading) and do not know ASL. Educators have developed a number of signed codes to make English more visible. They use ASL vocabulary items, modify them to match English vocabulary, and put them together according to English grammatical rules. These codes have various names including SEE and MCE. Additionally, when native speakers of English and native users of ASL try to communicate, the "language" that results is a mixture of both English and ASL vocabulary and grammar. This is referred to as contact signing. Here at LaGuardia Community College we teach ASL.

How long does it take to become fluent in ASL?
How long does it take to become fluent in Japanese? Russian? Language fluency, be it spoken or visual, requires time, immersion in the language community, study, and constant practice. Courses alone are not enough. Participating in the Deaf community is a major component in developing fluency. After taking three courses, you may be able to handle communication of simple concepts of daily life. To be comfortably fluent in native conversation at normal rates discussing complex topics may take years.

Where can I take classes?
Here at LaGuardia Community College there is a Deaf Studies A.A. degree program which offers ASL classes for college credit. You can get information about these classes by contacting Prof. Larry Long at (718) 483-5753 or Larry Long.

Students may enroll in those courses on a non-credit basis, too. Contact Amanda Polania in the Program for Deaf Adults at (718) 482-5324 or Amanda Polania.

For ASL classes in Continuing Education, contact Kat Burland at (718) 482-5024(TTY) or Kat Burland.

Sign language classes are offered elsewhere in the community at schools and colleges, churches and recreation departments. The classes may be ASL, PSE, SEE or some mixture of all. Instructors may be experienced, professional educators, or people who have only taken a few classes themselves. Buyer beware!
Sign language instructors should have native or near-native fluency in ASL. It is very beneficial if the instructors have formally studied the language and the teaching profession. Some colleges and universities offer degrees in teaching ASL. The American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) offers certification for instructors of ASL. They should be involved in the Deaf community and with professional organizations. Credentials to look for include membership in the ASLTA and/or the Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT). Other considerations in choosing a class may include:

1. The organization offering the class: Do they have someone in charge of the classes who knows about sign language, Deaf people and education: What is the history and reputation of the organization in regard to ASL education?
2. Resources: Can you get additional materials on ASL? Are you provided with information on what is happening in the Deaf community? After the basics, where do you go?
3. The Deaf community: People who are native ASL signers and involved in the Deaf community see "graduates" from various classes. Which classes do they recommend?
4. Graduates of the class: what have they accomplished since they finished their studies? Has the class been helpful? Do they feel they learned what they needed?

There are no classes close or convenient to me. Can I learn on my own through books, videos, etc.?
As with learning any second language, it is almost impossible to learn ASL on your own. There is not a one-to-one correspondence between English words and ASL signs. ASL is four-dimensional. It has height, width, depth, and movement over time. ASL consists of more than hand movements. It involves the face and the body as well. ASL has its own unique grammar and structure, different from English. Like all languages, ASL has a cultural component. Feedback and interaction with other ASL users is crucial to becoming fluent.
Videos and books may be useful reference materials as you learn but they will not substitute for learning ASL in classes and in the Deaf community.

ABOUT LAGUARDIA'S SIGN LANGUAGE OFFERINGS

What is the difference between taking ASL I-IV through continuing education or for college credit?
If you take ASL as part of an A.A. degree in Deaf Studies, you will want to take the courses for credit towards your degree. If you take the courses through the continuing education division you do not need to apply to the college, provide transcripts from previous schools, take placement tests, or show a proof of immunization. However, you will not receive grades for the courses, and you will not have them on a transcript. Financial Aid pays only for college credit courses. In addition, some employers will pay for college credit courses, but not continuing education classes.

In any case, for the purpose of gaining entrance to the Interpreter Education Program, students are not admitted based on “paper” credentials. Whether you have college credit for ASL courses, have studied ASL in non-credit classes or have learned ASL in some other way, you will be required to undergo the Admission Screening Process.

Can I transfer my ASL courses taken at another college?
If you are seeking an A.A. degree in Deaf Studies at LaGuardia, contact Prof. Long (Larry Long) regarding procedures for review of prior transcripts. If you hope to attain a B.A. degree in ASL/English Interpretation through SUNY-ESC by using the LaGuardia Interpreter Education program as your Concentration, you may ask ESC for a review of your transcript for credit purposes. However, the courses alone will not ensure your acceptance into the ASL/English Interpretation concentration. You will still have to pass the Admission Screening.

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PROGRAM FOR DEAF ADULTS
Division of Adult and Continuing Education
31-10 Thomson Avenue, Room C-203. Long Island City, NY 11101
(718) 482-5324 Voice - (718) 482-5325 - TTY - (718) 482-5353 TTY - (718) 609-2069 Fax
PDA@lagcc.cuny.edu