American Sign Language and Special Populations Minor

The American Sign Language and Special Populations Minor is designed to assist individuals who wish to work with the deaf or hard of hearing and/or children with special needs. Individuals will find the minor useful if they seek employment as early interventionists, family service providers, teachers of special education, teachers of the hard of hearing or deaf, or teachers of children with language delays.

The minor is designed to help prepare students to work in an entry-level position with children and families that use American Sign Language as a means of communication or who might benefit from using signed speech in combination with verbal communication. The minor provides the student with background in child development, language acquisition, American Sign Language, life and culture of the deaf and hard of hearing communities, and experiences of families with children with special needs.