IGNOU B.A. in Sign Language-BAASLS

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) have come together to launch the first Sign Language B.A. programme.

The BA in Applied Sign Language Studies (BAASLS) is the first-of-its-kind venture by any institute in the world. This programme will not only educate millions of deaf and speech-impaired students but also make them independent and empower them.

The five-member team of UCLan and its centre, International Centre for Sign Language and Deaf Studies (iSLanDS), are in discussion with IGNOU over the viability of this academic development in India.

The iSLanDS Centre is working in partnership with the Inter-University Consortium for Technology-Enabled Flexible Education and Development at IGNOU on the Distance Education for Sign Language Users project, and on establishing a College for the Deaf in India.

The Foundation Studies course is a one year full time programme. Students study six modules focusing on English literacy and various study skills (IT skills, personal development planning, etc). All modules are taught and assessed through sign language and are specifically designed to meet the needs of deaf learners.