As of September, 1998 over one hundred and sixty students are declared majors in the Sign Language Studies department. (The number of majors has remained steady for the past twenty one years.) They represent a diverse background of age and culture. Students range from seniors in high school to those holding medical degrees. Ages include those from eighteen to sixty five. Students from African-American, Euro-Caucasian, Hispanic, Arabic and Asian backgrounds are enrolled in SLS courses. Their professional backgrounds include; education, government, private industry, small business, major corporations, gerontology, medical and legal fields as well as print and electronic media. SLS graduates have found employment in all sectors of private and public enterprise as well as local and State government. Positions include those working in; vocational rehabilitation, community service agencies, local school districts, gerontology, the Peace Corps, self employment as free lance interpreters, social service agencies, communication facilities, colleges and universities. Former students often continue their education in areas such as linguistics, Deaf education, social work, school psychology, nursing, psychiatry, law, business and educational leadership. Over 150 students have graduated with degrees and related professional studies from the Sign Language Studies department and are recognized for their abilities to communicate and work with Deaf citizens from all socioeconomic groups and educational experiences. The balance of theory and application available from the SLS curriculum has enabled its graduates to become involved with community based programs looking to expand their service populations to include Deaf clients and consumers. SLS students include parents of Deaf children committed to acquiring skills and knowledge about Sign language, deafness and Deaf culture. Parents of Deaf children have graduated with Bachelor of Arts degrees and work closely with educational facilities, social service agencies and related organizations in an effort to provide their children with the best educational opportunities which local school districts have become expected to provide. If you have any questions about the content of these pages please contact the Sign Language Studies Department at sbeatty@madonna.edu