Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) is the sign language used in Austria. Since September 1st 2005, ÖGS is recognized as language by the Austrian Constitution, Article 8 (3).
Sign Language is not international and holds different dialects and registers (for example youth language). Sign Language is an independent language with its own grammar. It does not orientate itself by spoken language but holds its own specific characteristics.
Sign Language is not only used by Deaf people any longer. People who are not deaf and still use ÖGS are members of the so called circle of Sign Language users. This group has been continuously growing in the last few years. The growing attention of the interested public makes ÖGS an important qualification. Deaf people to a large extent still are refused to take part in the social life.
By now, ÖGS is a popular additional qualification. Increasing specialisation requires the integration of a new target group; the offers for Sign Language Users have recently increased in large numbers. The need for ÖGS competent people seems not to be covered in the next future.
Additional offers for learning ÖGS can be found in the courses of equalizent. Video analysis to individual coaching to very compact courses we offer courses in an environment which for years has been bilingual.