Singapore Sign Language Level 1
On this page:
Registration is now close!
Programme Description
Equal Dreams aims to provide progressive SgSL courses suitable for beginners that build up towards advanced levels of SgSL proficiency — and those interested may even opt to transition to our sign language interpreter training course.
At Level 1, no prior experience is required — just an open-mind ready to learn, and hands warmed up for signing!
Learning Outcomes
Through direct and complete immersion in a no-voice, SgSL-only environment, students will learn to:
- Exhibit receptive and expressive skills in fingerspelling and SgSL signs
- Exhibit an understanding of basic linguistic rules in SgSL, and its parameters
- Understand and apply the concept of visual-gestural communication when using SgSL
- Develop an appreciation for Deaf culture and the diverse Deaf Community
- Carry out basic conversations in SgSL about everyday life through the use of simple sentence structures
The design and development of Equal Dreams’ SgSL curriculum are led by our SgSL specialist, Andrew Tay, and curriculum co-developer, Yew Hau En, in consultation and collaboration with Deaf leaders and hearing interpreters.
Learning Platform
Google Classroom will be the central hub for your learning journey where you will be able to access course materials, assignments, discussions, and additional resources.
Participants will be registered onto our exclusive learning platform, SgSLcore. This platform contains additional resources to enrich your learning experience.
A Telegram group chat will be used for ease of communication between participants, instructors, and administrators. Announcements and other ad-hoc communications will be communicated through this channel.
Course Requirements
- Prepare for class by reading session notes
- Weekly recorded homework in SgSL (participants will be working in pairs outside of contact time), where students will get individualised feedback from their instructors
- Self-reflection about learning SgSL and Deaf community culture
- 80% attendance is required to take the final SgSL competency assessment. Certificates are awarded upon passing.
Target Audience
- Those with zero to little experience in SgSL or those wanting a refresher course
- Open to hearing, deaf, hard of hearing
Class Size
Each class is limited to 8 to 12 students.
Note: If the minimum number of 8 students is not reached, you will be contacted before the start of the programme.
Accessibility
Please let us know if you have any access requirements in the registration form, and we will do our best to work with you to provide them.
Pricing
Introduction to the sliding scale pricing model
- Our goal: do our best to ensure finances are not a barrier to anyone interested to sign up.
- There are 3 tiers: Reduced, General and Supporter.
- We invite those with more financial privilege to pay a higher rate (e.g. General or Supporter Rate), and contribute to addressing inequalities; to give more from a place of solidarity, not charity.
- We trust your judgement to select the tier that best fits your financial situation, no questions asked. The descriptors of each tier may not fully reflect your situation — please choose one that feels most relatable.
- Our rates also honour the time, intention and care that went into designing this programme. By signing up for this programme, you are also contributing to sustaining our small staff team in our ongoing work to deepen disability inclusion and accessibility.
- Existing discount codes or vouchers do not apply to this programme.
Supporter Rate – $360
1. You have sufficient income to pay for a programme like this, and you can afford to subsidise the cost for those who have financial difficulties.
2. An organisation is paying for you. You have a large amount of funding from your company to use for training programmes. That fund is more than enough to cover the supporter rate.
3. You have a large amount of savings or access to generational wealth (e.g. inheritance, assets). This is more than enough for you, with extra to spare.
General Rate – $320
1. You have enough income to pay for a programme like this, at the general rate.
2. You have a financial safety net. For example, you have some savings, inheritance, or wealthy friends and family you can depend on if you’re in financial trouble.
Reduced Rate – $280
1. This rate allows you to participate in the programme.
2. You have limited income to take part in learning opportunities like this.
3. Your income supports yourself, and others.
We would like to thank and acknowledge IDHA, AORTA and Singapore Improv Festival for inspiring this programme’s approach to pricing.
Notes
- SkillsFuture credits are not applicable for all our programmes.
- Your seat will only be confirmed upon payment, on a first come first served basis.
- There’s no refund of programme fees once paid, unless the programme is cancelled.
Registration
Registration is now close!
Check out what our past students have to say!
Can’t make it this round, but still interested?
Fill out the form to receive email updates when the next registration opens.