Rodrigo Ortiz Sánchez
2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: American Sign Language as a Foreign Language for Deaf StudentsMexico
Rodrigo Ortiz Sánchez graduated with a degree in linguistics from the Escuela Nacional de Antropología e Historia. He holds a masters in pedagogy from the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. Rodrigo is a professor of Spanish as a Foreign Language at the Instituto Cervantes and Certified Interpreter of Mexican Sign Language. He has ten years of teaching experience with students with sensory and physical disabilities at a variety of education levels. Currently Rodrigo is a research professor and coordinator of the Inclusion Program at the Polytechnic University of Santa Rosa Jáuregui.
IVLP Impact Award Project: American Sign Language as a Foreign Language for Deaf Students
This project supported the academic and intercultural development of deaf students at the Polytechnic University of Santa Rosa Jáuregui (UPSRJ) by creating an American Sign Language (ASL) course, partnering with Gallaudet University. The course trained nine students on how to increase metalinguistic awareness and created a long-term impact on their academic achievement by promoting their independence and cultural competency. Gallaudet University is considering the course to become a permanent staple in its curriculum.
IVLP Exchange Experience
Rodrigo participated in the IVLP Project Addressing the Needs of Underserved and At-Risk Youth organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas in partnership with World Partnerships Inc, International Institute of Buffalo, Columbia Council for Internationals, GlobalJax, Global Ties ABQ, Global Minnesota, San Antonio Council for International Visitors, WorldBoston, Colorado Springs World Affairs Council and World Affairs Council of St. Louis.
Rodrigo's exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "I found the program to be very beneficial to me and my goals for the future and all the opportunities it has opened up for me. It was an amazing experience. I learned about how we can improve and be more helpful to society. It's so inspiring!"
U.S. Communities Visited Virtually
Colorado Springs, CO; Washington, DC; St. Petersburg, FL; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; St. Louis, MO; Jackson, MS; Albuquerque, NM; Buffalo, NY; Columbia, SC; San Antonio, TX