So, those of you that have done a Sign Language Course...........................................

[Sparkler]

Have you been able to use it since?

I've fancied learning this for ages and am going to sign myself up for a day's introductory course just to see how I get on. If I enjoy it I shall sign up for a longer BSL course afterwards.
I have nowhere to use it as such at the moment but am very interested to find out how I could use it in the future.
TIA x

Not been on a course but have looked at them. Depending on how far you go, you could become an interpreter. Think you have to do all the BSL courses plus an interpreter course.
Could also become a teacher/ Learning assistant for deaf children - would have to do teachers degree or learning assistant course as well.

Not sure what else.

teachers/ learning assistant - I think that info is right.. I would check it out on learndirect if you were interested.

Just to be warned- to get to interpreter level in BSL you need to do about 6 years worth of training- it's extremely long and difficult!

There are quite a few opportunities for voluntary work if you have signing skills. (But you really need level 2 for it to be of any use- level one is very basic.) There are summer school type things that your local BDA or NDCS might organise and also there are opportunities to help deaf children in mainstream clubs such as Brownies and Swimming. If you contact RNID NDCA or BDA they may be able to point you in the right direction.

If you are looking for a career then an LSA in a school for the deaf or unit for hearing impaired might be an option. (Again you will need at least level 2 for this)

A longer training would be to become a regular teacher then you need at least 2 years experience in mainstream classrooms before retraining to be a Teacher of the Deaf. (which takes one year full time or two years part time.)

There are also lots of deaf clubs around where the deaf community socialise- where you can develop your skills further.

I completed the CACDP (think that is right) Deaf Awareness course - the course was a few days as I recall and finished with a test. It contained a small amount of signing, but mostly finger spelling.

Before becoming a SAHM I worked in a local college and did find the course useful.

Thanks for your replies. I think I am more likely to use it in a voluntary type way. I'm already a Parent Helper at Brownies and may in the future go on to lead - it would be great to have the knowledge in case I need it in the future.