Registration opens for free American Sign Language, Spanish classes

To expand the number of employees who can use basic American Sign Language (ASL) or speak conversational Spanish, the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement will offer free ASL and Spanish language classes in May and June. The classes are open at no cost to Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine employees, and no prior ASL or Spanish experience is required.

ASL course

• Virtual: May 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26 and 28, June 2
• In-person: May 5 and June 4 (100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey, Conference Room 1126/1124)
• 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
• Instructor: Ellen Delp, clinical audiologist, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Register by Monday, April 20

Spanish course

• June 1-5
• For Emergency Services employees:
  • 8 a.m.–noon
  • 100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey
  • Rooms:
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – Room 1119
    • Wednesday – Room 1126/24
  • Register by Friday, May 15
• For medical office and scheduling employees:
  • 1–5 p.m.
  • 100 Crystal A Drive, Hershey
  • Rooms:
    • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – Room 1119
    • Wednesday – Room 1126/24
  • Register by Friday, May 15
• Instructor: Adam Chacon, Alendado Training Consultants

Limited seats will be filled in the order registrations are received.

Language access part of RITE values

Providing language services to assist patients is not only legally required, it’s also the “right thing to do,” said Misty Bowman, Interpreter Services manager at Hershey Medical Center, on the recent Inclusion Academy podcast, “Interpretation and Translation Services.”

“Our core RITE values – Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence – guide us to create inclusive services that ensure a safe and equitable environment for all patients and employees,” said Hector Ortiz, program manager for diversity and inclusion education. “Expanding the number of employees who can interact with patients who speak Spanish or use American Sign Language is in keeping with our values.”

These classes do not result in certification as a medical interpreter, but they provide a foundation for more effective communication with Spanish-speaking patients and those who use ASL.

Email questions about the courses to Ortiz.

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