Session One:

25/08/12

So today I have started to enquire about sign language classes in the Hamilton area to start my new occupational choice to be able to reflect at the end of the semester on my new learning and the experience that this occupation challenge will give me. So I have already met a challenge, in that there are not a lot of sign language courses in Hamilton! Furthermore, if there are, they are at least $120 for a ten-week course (money I don’t have at the moment).  I then looked in the library at the Wintec campus, and there was a huge book on sign language there to get me started.  It was very informative, but I figure it will be hard to learn sign language from a book.  I needed something more interactive.  So it was off on the good old internet (what would we do without it) to find something a little more kinaesthetic.  I came across a New Zealand website called Deaf New Zealand, that had online tutorials for my learning needs.  This included four packages with signs about work, play, home life and signs for health professionals.  Below is a link to the website where I found the learning packages:

http://www.deaf.co.nz/resources/merchandise-order-form/learn-at-series

  I figured this would be an good option for me.  It was at this point that I realised sign language was going to be a difficult occupation to engage in.  Firstly, as it is an occupation that is engaged in by a minority of people, it is hard to find communities and resources to link into.  Secondly, to communicate in a sense requires having someone else to communicate with.  I also think that my motivation to practice sign language solo will be fairly low so I have to come up with a plan or a way to get motivated.  Maybe I can ask the other girls doing sign language if they would like to join in?