City Lit certificate in rehabilitation work with deaf people

What is the course about?

This unique part-time course is for Sensory Equipment Officers, Technical Officers, Rehabilitation Officers and those employed in sensory teams who work with deaf service users in the community, helping them to live independent lives. The course is structured in eight lecture blocks spread over a year.
Successful completion of the course leads to achieving a City Lit Certificate in Rehabilitation Work with Deaf People. The course is internally verified.

This course will be delivered online and in person, and will involve tutor presentation and class discussion. Student preparation and homework outside class times is strongly encouraged. To fully participate in this online class you will need:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer/laptop/tablet with a fully updated browser (preferably google chrome). Your device will need a microphone, and preferably a camera.

What will we cover?

You will acquire knowledge and skills to enhance the way you support deaf and hard of hearing people. You will gain a broad understanding of a wide range of aspects and issues around deafness and deaf people that you can apply in your professional role.

This course will be delivered in person in London and online. To fully participate in the online classes you will need:
- An email address
- A reliable internet connection.
- A fully updated browser e.g. Chrome or Edge
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook).

Please note a tablet or smart phone may limit your ability participate fully in the class.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Demonstrate knowledge of:
How hearing works and the different causes of deafness
Audiograms and hearing tests
The psychological and social effects of acquired deafness
Deaf culture and community
Deaf awareness
Language and communication
Hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive equipment
Counselling skills
Assessment.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No formal academic qualifications are required, but students will be expected to work at level 4 (equivalent to first year undergraduate study).

You will need to be able to:
Express yourself clearly and fluently in writing using accurate grammar and spelling.
Express yourself clearly and fluently in group discussions.
Research, read, comprehend and analyse text from a variety of sources.

After we receive your application form, the course co-ordinator will contact you to arrange an informal interview on Zoom. This is to make sure the course is right for you and that you understand the commitments of the course; you can also discuss any access requirements.
Before acceptance on the course, we will ask you to complete a written English assessment.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

We use lectures, demonstration, observation, group work, pair work, individual work, handouts, practical tests, role plays. There will be written assignments to be completed between the lecture blocks and some practical assignments during class time.
In addition to the taught learning hours, there is also a requirement to complete a minimum of 20 hours of observations shadowing another Technical/Rehabilitation Officer and an audiologist. This can be spread out over the duration of the course to suit the student and will need to be arranged by the student themselves.
The course uses Google Classroom, a Virtual Learning Environment. Resources, discussion and news forums will all be available on this site. Your assignments will be submitted on this site.

To access the live online parts of the course you will need:
- A reliable internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook).
- Please note a tablet or smart phone may limit your ability participate fully in class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Paper, pens, A4 files, dividers, memory stick
A suggested reading list will be included in the handbook. There are no compulsory textbooks.
Travel costs relating to the course and the placements (to be arranged by student).
Cost of staying in London during lecture blocks (to be arranged by student).

Those students requiring a BSL interpreter or a STTR will need to have funding for this through their own Access to Work. Please liaise with the course co-ordinator who may be able to facilitate booking the support staff.