Beginners Lipreading Class Online
Beginners Introductory Lipreading Class Online
Starting in May 2024, this four week beginners introductory online lipreading course is designed for people with (or without) hearing loss and with no experience of learning to lipread. The course is entirely online, via Zoom, so you will need to be a reasonably competent user of the platform. This lipreading course is taught in spoken English, and not BSL (British Sign Language). Zoom does provide live captions, but they are not always reliable. This lipreading course is designed to give you a basic introduction to lipreading theory, and a bit more confidence about managing your own hearing loss.
After the course is complete, you may have the option to progress into the beginners/intermediate group.
Please note, these days/times are subject to confirmation.
Times: Wednesdays 5-6.30PM
Dates:
Wednesday 15th of May 5-6.30 PM
Wednesday 22nd of May 5-6.30 PM
Wednesday 29th of May 5-6.30 PM
Wednesday 5th of June 5-6.30 PM
Please ensure you can attend every session, as partial refunds are not offered.
Venue: This lipreading class is delivered online, via Zoom. The Zoom link will remain the same throughout the duration of the course.
Cost: £50 payable by BACS, or £52.50 payable by PayPal
Who Are These Lipreading Classes For?
This online lipreading course is for absolute beginners with or without hearing loss. You do not need to have any prior experience with lipreading. You will need too be able to log in to Zoom, and set yourself up independently. During the course, we will learn about some of the challenges of lipreading, the basic elements of managing hearing loss (such as dealing with noisy environments), how to recognise visible lip shapes and how to switch on your "lipreaders brain".
These sessions are delivered in spoken English, not British Sign Language. Most students have some residual hearing.
These lipreading classes are not recorded, and are not available for retrospective viewing.
How To Register: Contact the Tutor
Where Can I Find Further Information?
The lipreading classes page includes general information about what to expect when you join this class.
What Can I Do after the Course Has Finished?
On completion, you may have the option to progress to the beginner/intermediate lipreading course.
Who Is the Tutor?
Daryl is an experienced, ATLA qualified lipreading teacher holding a City and Guilds Adult Education qualification. He has his own hearing loss.
If you want to get started soonest, a private 1-1 lipreading course is the best way to proceed.
What Equipment Will I Need?
You will need to have access to the Internet, a computer with a WebCam and an up-to-date version of Zoom. If at all possible, please DO NOT join classes using a mobile phone, or tablet/iPad. During the lipreading lesson, the tutor may be utilising some advanced Zoom functionality, which does not work well on mobile phones or tablet/iPad devices. You are requested to join the classes using a laptop or desktop machine, ensuring that your Zoom software is installed, and up to date. Please avoid using the web-based version of Zoom, if possible & install the Zoom software on your computer. Automated captions will be available, but are not always reliable. If you are able to link your device to your hearing aids, please ensure this is set up before the class begins.
These lipreading lessons are not Zoom lessons, so you will need to be a reasonably competent, basic Zoom user. You will certainly need to be able to access/leave the room without assistance.
If you have any kind of assistive technology for hearing loss, please make sure that they are all set up prior to joining the classroom.
How Long Are These Lipreading Courses?
The lipreading lessons will last about 1.5 hours and consist of 8 weekly sessions. There will be an eye-break in the middle of each lesson, which is a chance to rest your eyes, get up from your device and maybe make a cup of tea. Learning lipreading online can be quite hard work, it is important that we step away from the screen in the course of the lesson.
How Is This Online Lipreading Course Arranged?
This lipreading course is designed to help you learn the basics, and develop a little more confidence about how to interact with other people regardless of your hearing loss. In the classes, we will be learning lip-shapes within the context of everyday conversation, topics of interest and occasionally, some rather outlandish lesson content! You will get the opportunity to practice with your classmates, as well as the tutor. These lip reading courses are completely online, and intended to be informal, relaxed and accessible. If you have been unable to find a lipreading class near you, then these online lessons solve that problem. In addition, your type of hearing loss should not be a barrier to becoming an active participant in the lessons.
Please note, these classes will not be conducted using British Sign Language. However, we will be utilising the BSL fingerspelling alphabet, but learning to lipread is the focus. We use the BSL alphabet to indicate initial letters of words, when they are not particularly visible.
What Are the Benefits of Learning to Lipread?
For those of us with hearing loss, learning to lipread can have a significant impact on quality of life. That is not to say it is without its challenges. Learning lipreading involves lots of attentive awareness, but is mainly the act of using visual cues, such as facial expressions and mouth movements, to understand information in a spoken language. Learning this valuable skill can help improve communication, reduce frustration and increase social engagement for individuals with hearing loss. Lip reading also helps to optimise the use of hearing aids or other assistive devices. This provides greater independence and freedom. With the help of an ATLA qualified lipreading teacher you can learn lipreading in a supportive and engaging online environment. By incorporating a little bit of lipreading into your daily routine, you can experience the benefits of improved communication and increased social interaction, leading to a more fulfilling and satisfying life. Hearing loss does not mean you have to miss out on these things. Invest in your hearing health and take the first step towards better communication by booking a lipreading class today.
Looking for lipreading classes near me? Well, you have come to the right place.
