Bachelor in Sign Language Interpretation, the newest program of the School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, currently accepts first year level applicants for the first term of Academic Year 2022 to 2023.
Motivated by its goals of innovation and inclusion, the institution offers this pioneering program to produce qualified and ethical sign language interpreters to meet the accessibility needs of and advocate for the rights of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
This program is also the College’s response towards the Philippine government’s legal recognition of Filipino Sign Language (FSL Law or Republic Act 11106) as the national sign language and the language to be used in all areas involving the Deaf.
Graduates of the program may pursue fruitful careers as professional sign language interpreters and translators in the medical, mental health, academic, media, and legal fields, as well as work at national and international conferences and meetings, such as in the United Nations. They may likewise enter the academe as trainers of future interpreters and teachers for the Deaf, all who remain focused on their advocacy of inclusion and service with genuine compassion for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.
Partner institutions such as the Philippine Federation of the Deaf (PFD), Philippine National Association of Sign Language Interpreters (PNASLI), World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI), and the Rochester Institute of Technology-National Technical Institute for the Deaf (RIT-NTID), were all consulted for a comprehensive curriculum and holistic approach to interpreting education.
The degree emphasizes language development with its intensive courses on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) and sign linguistics, as well as the acquisition of knowledge and skills on interpreting theories and techniques. It likewise includes in-depth discussions to foster appreciation of the Deaf history, identity, and culture, which would contribute towards a more ethical practice of interpreting.
Moreover, students will not only learn about sign language interpreting but also engage in advocating for disability issues, policies, and guidelines in accordance with the global standards of inclusion of the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD).
The program is open to non-Deaf senior high school graduates as of this time, but plans are underway to accept Deaf applicants in three years’ time. Transferees and second degree holders will be accepted for Academic Year 2023 to 24.
BSLI will run for nine terms or three academic years. For more information about the program and application procedures, visit www.benilde.edu.ph.
Contact the Benilde Center for Admissions Office via email admissions@benilde.edu.ph or Viber +63945 278 8877, +63949 668 3082 or +63945 278 5612, from Mondays to Fridays, 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
