Did You Know?: UNO and ASL

Each month, we'll feature one item about the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) that you may not know about for a special series we're calling "Did You Know?"

Did you know that the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) offers the only sign language interpreter program in Nebraska?

Nationwide, there is a shortage of qualified and certified interpreters for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Interpreting between American Sign Language (ASL) and English requires fluency in two languages, advanced cultural and linguistic knowledge as well as theoretical knowledge. Students enrolled in UNO's sign language program will graduate with a bachelor’s degree and the skills necessary to pursue national certification in interpreting.

The program is offered through the UNO College of Education's Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, which recognizes that learning is not exclusively restricted to the classroom. A combination of clinical experiences and service opportunities will support your academic coursework. This year alone, the department's on-campus Speech-Language Hearing Clinic, staffed by UNO faculty and students, provided more than 1,300 hours of clinical services.

At UNO you will benefit from an engaged and dedicated faculty as well as a metropolitan environment. The department and UNO has strong ties within the Omaha community allowing for opportunities that increase your readiness for your future career and life in an ever-changing world.

Here's a great video from a Maverick about his choice to pursue learning ASL: