The Statewide Outreach Center (SOC) at the Texas School for the Deaf offers a variety of online resources to support ASL practice, social engagement, and effective communication within the family.
Top Online ASL Resources:
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ASLonline: Structured tutorials aligned with the "Signing Naturally" textbook, developed by the University of Texas Department of Linguistics ASL Program.
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ASL Clear: A comprehensive collection of STEM signs, making complex concepts accessible to educators and students.
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Lifeprint/ASL University: Free lessons, quizzes, and information, as well as fee-based, instructor-guided courses. Created by Dr. Bill Vicars, a renowned Deaf educator.
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Atomic Hands: Engaging ASL STEM videos that integrate American Sign Language with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content.
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Handspeak.com: A resource-rich site offering information on sign language, dictionaries, fingerspelling, and baby signs for learners of all levels.
Additional Tools:
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ASL Storytelling Library: A collection of fun stories and resources in ASL suitable for students, parents, and teachers. Includes short videos like “Weird But True” facts by National Geographic.
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Family Signs: An online sign language instruction program designed for families with Deaf or hard-of-hearing children, offering interactive classes in ASL or Signed Exact English.
Tips for Caregivers and Families:
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Daily Practice: Regular use of ASL helps retain and improve communication skills.
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Social Engagement: Encourage regular interaction with Deaf community members to strengthen practical ASL use.
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Keep Conversations Inclusive: Make a conscious effort to include your Deaf child in social conversations, whether at home or in the community.
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Explore Diverse Learning Resources: Utilize a mix of storytelling, structured lessons, and interactive activities to keep learning dynamic and enjoyable.
By using these resources, families can enhance their ASL proficiency, ensuring a more inclusive and communicative summer experience for their Deaf child.
For more information and access to these resources, visit the SOC's Learn ASL page: https://www.texasdeafed.org/apps/pages/learnASL