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High School News » Enhance Your ASL Skills This Summer with Resources from the Statewide Outreach Center

Enhance Your ASL Skills This Summer with Resources from the Statewide Outreach Center

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:

  • ASLonline: Structured tutorials aligned with the "Signing Naturally" textbook, developed by the University of Texas Department of Linguistics ASL Program.

  • ASL Clear: A comprehensive collection of STEM signs, making complex concepts accessible to educators and students.

  • 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.

  • Atomic Hands: Engaging ASL STEM videos that integrate American Sign Language with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics content.

  • Handspeak.com: A resource-rich site offering information on sign language, dictionaries, fingerspelling, and baby signs for learners of all levels.

Additional Tools:

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Daily Practice: Regular use of ASL helps retain and improve communication skills.

  • Social Engagement: Encourage regular interaction with Deaf community members to strengthen practical ASL use.

  • Keep Conversations Inclusive: Make a conscious effort to include your Deaf child in social conversations, whether at home or in the community.

  • 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