ACADEMY DEPARTMENT
Academy
Innovative training pathways in Italian Sign Language, designed according to the principles of Universal Design for Learning.
Contact person: Nicola Della Maggiora
Description
Digitalization and globalization are driving the need to professionalize, specialize, and train people in emerging technologies, new work processes and business models, and new research languages and methods.
The Turin Institute for the Deaf has developed the Academy to innovate learning processes by rethinking how training activities are delivered, with particular focus on the study and communication strategies of deaf people and on making every piece of content accessible, following the principles of Universal Design for Learning.
Delivery Method
The Academy's instructors are typically deaf people, and in every case sign language users; all training activities are delivered in Italian Sign Language (LIS) or in International Sign.
In the model proposed by the Academy, learning becomes a "blended" pathway of personal empowerment, combining classroom activities, on-the-job training, and synchronous and asynchronous e-learning, alternating lectures with gamification, simulations, and external study visits.
ISTv
A platform with a Sign Language TV channel, featuring current affairs, culture, children's entertainment, and information about the world of deafness.
Contact person: Gianluca Grioli
Description
ISTv is a platform, with a TV channel, created to provide accessibility. Every video always features a deaf signing person, alongside supporting images.
Topics
- ISTv NEWS — current affairs, to stay informed about what's happening
- ISTv CULTURE — general knowledge and trivia, insights to learn something new every day
- ISTv KIDS — content for children, activities and programs designed to entertain young viewers
- ISTv SORDX — a space dedicated to general information about the world of deafness
- ISTv EUROPE — news and insights from Europe and around the world
- ISTv SPORT — news, events, and trivia from the world of sports
- ISTv GREEN — environment, nature, and sustainability
Who It's For
These videos are intended for people who know Sign Language, with the goal of expanding their knowledge on these topics.
Accessibility
Sign Language materials and subtitles, a dedicated recording studio, and museum accessibility projects with Italian cultural institutions.
Contact person: Nicola Della Maggiora
Description
Accessibility for deaf people involves providing any informational or learning material also through Sign Language and subtitles, so that everyone can fully understand the content, as well as adding various types of images and icons to increase the visibility of information — for example, with infographics that make it possible to quickly grasp the information on a poster or other material.
Recording Studio
At the Institute, Sign Language videos can be recorded in a dedicated room specifically designed with the correct setting and color contrast for optimal sign visibility.
Museum Accessibility Projects
Since 2007, the Institute has been working with cultural and museum institutions to improve their accessibility and make their collections and events more accessible to deaf people.
We have collaborated with the Castello di Rivoli – Museum of Contemporary Art, the Turin Galleria d'Arte Moderna, the Museum of Traditional Aosta Valley Crafts, Casa Cavazza, the Bologna Museums Institution, and many others.
We have also taken part in major European projects on this topic and contributed to drafting the Manifesto for Accessible Culture.