TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Italian Sign Language Courses (LIS)
Courses taught by native-signing instructors, open to anyone who wants to explore Deaf language and culture.
Contact: formazione@istitutosorditorino.org
What Is LIS
LIS is one of the many sign languages that exist around the world. Contrary to what many people believe, it is not pantomime: it is a fully-fledged language, with its own grammar and syntax, used every day by a great many deaf people, who recognize in it the values of Deaf culture and community.
Our Courses
Since 1996 we have been organizing LIS courses taught by native-signing instructors, open to anyone interested in learning about Deaf culture and about people who use sign language as their native language. The goal is to help participants develop the skills needed to hold a simple conversation with deaf signers.
Who It's For
- Teachers and educators
- Social and healthcare workers
- Parents and relatives of deaf people
- Schools, hospitals, healthcare companies, cooperatives, and organizations (courses on request, with customized programs)
Accreditation
The Institute is a nationally accredited provider with the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research for training school staff (Ministerial Decree of 18/10/2007, new accreditation directive 170/2016).
Contacts
Contact: formazione@istitutosorditorino.org
Courses for Communication Assistants
A theoretical specialization course on sensory disability, and on deafness in particular, delivered in a mixed online and in-person format.
Contact: corso.assistenti@istitutosorditorino.it
Description
The course covers several areas related to sensory disability, and to deafness in particular: speech therapy, history and culture, linguistics and teaching methods, program planning, and educational experiences. It has been redesigned in a mixed format, combining online sessions with in-person attendance (over two intensive weekends).
Upcoming Edition
- Start date: October 11, 2025
- End date: May 30, 2026
- Day and time: Saturdays 9:00 AM–1:00 PM online, on a platform managed by the Institute, plus two in-person workshops
Course Structure
- Total duration: 300 hours (150 hours of theoretical lessons + 150 hours of observation, study, and practical activities)
- Mixed format: 80% theoretical lessons online, 20% practical/observation hours in person
- Open to participants regardless of their current LIS proficiency level
- Possibility of attending individual modules separately
- Final exam to obtain the certificate of participation
Contacts
Italian for Foreigners
An authorized center for administering CELI exams, under agreement with the University for Foreigners of Perugia.
Contact person: Andre Karl Ebouaney
Description
The Turin Institute for the Deaf is an authorized center, under agreement with the Center for Language Assessment and Certification (CVCL) of the University for Foreigners of Perugia (the certifying body), for administering the CELI exams.
CELI Certificates
These certificates are equivalent to those of the most prestigious European institutions in the field, are included in the ALTE Framework, and are organized into 6 levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). They certify Italian language skills and proficiency that can be used in the workplace and in academic settings.
The exams comply with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe's CEF (Common European Framework).
Exam Sessions
Three exam sessions are held each year: March, June, and November. Registration must be completed within 40 days of the exam date.
Director of the Department: Enrico Dolza
Contact: formazione@istitutosorditorino.org