Protactile Language Theory – Online Certificate Program

The next section for the Protactile Language Theory Online Certificate is open NOW. Open from 10/1/24 to 12/31/24. This program is 16 hours over 13 modules.

Please note: Because this online module program is offered for free as a part of a federal grant, we are timing registrants’ enrollment period in order to collect evaluation and assessment data that comes with folks completing our program.

How to Enroll:

• Sign into PLI Moodle (or create a free account if you are new!) at https://moodle.protactilelanguageinterpreting.org/.
• Click on the “Module Catalog” link at the top of any page to browse our programs.
• Scroll down to find and click on the Fall 2024 Protactile Language Theory Certificate program.
• Click the “Enroll Me” button and you can get started immediately!

Program Description: Protactile Language Interpreting National Education Program (PLI) presents a self-directed course of study in Protactile Language Theory. This online certificate program consists of 16 hours of online content, assignments, and assessment, focused on co-navigation, Protactile language, co-presence, Protactile literature, and the Protactile numbering systems and alphabet.

Protactile (PT) is a language that cannot be learned through visual or auditory channels. To fully acquire PT, the speaker and the listener must be in physical contact with one another. Because of this, the PLI program of study primarily focuses on the theory of Protactile, and completion of this program does not indicate language proficiency.

It is PLI’s strong recommendation that this program of study be paired with real-world experiences in the DeafBlind community, learning from and working with Protactile Language speakers. This online certificate program does not replace the need for in-person language acquisition opportunities but is meant to be a supplement and support in the language learning process.

If you have any questions, please contact us at PLI@wou.edu.

Register Now!

Program Details: This online certificate program is a sequenced series of 13 self-directed modules of varying lengths. These modules are meant to be taken in order and require the user to pass an assessment at the end of each module before moving on to the next content.

Please note: Successful completion of this Theory Certificate includes completion of the 13 modules in order. Participants may have previously completed one or more of the modules listed below. If you have earned credit for any of the 4 “Stand-Alone” modules during your current RID cycle, you are ineligible to earn CEUs for this activity again, but the expectation is that you will review the module as a refresher in sequence:

• The Protactile Movement
• The Seven Principles of Protactile Language
• Understanding Accessible Technologies
• Protactile Linguistics: Discussing Recent Findings

What are the 13 Modules?

• The Protactile Movement
• The Seven Principles of Protactile Language
• Communication Modalities and Accommodations
• Understanding Accessible Technologies
• Co-Presence
• Support Service Provider (SSP) vs. Co-Navigator (CN): A Paradigm Shift
• Co-Navigation: Applied Practice
• The Evolution of Protactile Language
• Evolving Principles of Protactile
• Protactile Linguistics: Discussing Recent Findings
• Prompt, Adopt, Touch (PAT)
• Protactile Alphabet and Numbering Systems
• Protactile Literature

Who should enroll in this certificate program?

Interpreters, VR Professionals, Interpreter Educators, Students, Family, Friends, & Professionals working with DeafBlind individuals.

Where?

Online, via PLI Moodle.

When?

Registration for this program is open now until December 31st. Please note: If you do not complete all the modules by 12/31/24, you will need to restart the entire program. Future cycles will open enrollment every 3 months (1/1/25-3/31/25, 4/1/25-6/30/25, etc.).

How much does it cost?

It’s free! This is part of a federal grant to support interpreter training, and we are documenting the interest and completion rates for registrants.

RID CEUs/ACET

This online certificate program is offered for up to 1.6 CEUs in Professional Studies, General Studies, and the Power, Privilege, and Oppression designation. CEUs are processed by the Protactile Language Interpreting National Education Program, an approved RID CMP and ACET sponsor.

CRC CEs

Up to 1.6 CRC CE Units.

Non-Discrimination Policy

PLI does not discriminate in any way and actively promotes mutually-respectful engagement, safety, and equity.

Accessibility & Accommodations

If you need accommodations for accessing these materials, please contact us at pli@wou.edu.

Cancellation Policy

This certificate program is free, self-directed, and available on-demand. You must complete the modules within the 3-month enrollment period for CEU credit.

For More Information

Visit our website or email pli@wou.edu for any questions.