ASL Resources
I often discuss and post about my hearing loss and wearing hearing aids. Below are some links for ASL resources, from receptive finger-spelling practice, to online classes, to information regarding interpreter certification to information about games, book clubs, and signed news. Click the links to quickly go to the area you need resources in.
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Where can one learn to sign?
Learning to sign is easier than ever now, thanks to the internet and mobile phones! There are numerous ways that you can learn to sign outside of a classroom. One now has the options from free online lessons to video tutorials to social media vocabulary reviews or even, a vocabulary extension on your browser. A world of possibilities has opened up for those who want to learn ASL.
​​Online Classes and Resources
If you prefer to have more of a "classroom" feel and learn better with a one-on-one teacher, or in a group, below are some options for classes, as well as sites that have access to quizzes, free courses, and more.
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YouTube
One of the easiest ways to learn sign language is through YouTube tutorials. There are dozens of teachers who give free lessons on how to sign the alphabet, common phrases, building sentence structure, and more.
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Practicing
Practicing is an important part of learning a language. Having someone that you can practice with helps with encouragement and strengthens your vocabulary. Additionally, fingerspelling is a big aspect of ASL - and practicing your receptive skills at reading the signed words will increase your fluency.
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Facebook group: ASL Practice Buddies
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Fingerspelling receptive skills: https://fingerspell.net/ or http://asl.ms
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Number Practice: http://asl.bz
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Vocabulary
Vocabulary changes and grows as new words are added throughout the years. Sometimes, older signs also change to be less "English-based" and more "ASL-based". These are also great resources if you simply have forgotten a vocabulary word and need to do a quick reminder!
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Sign Spaces - free extension to add to your Google Chrome
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Sign with Robert on Giphy
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Specialized Dictionaries
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ASL Core - Art, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, Literature, Philosophy, Physics, Sustainability
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Texas Math Sign Language Dictionary
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ASL Resource - Geographical Sign Names
Apps
With the rise of mobile phones and using apps, these offer great ways to stay up-to-date and remind you of your vocabulary, as well as on the go options if you need to look something up while out and about. These also let you study anytime, anywhere.
View a larger list HERE.
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Interpreter Certification
There has been some interest on how you can become a certified interpreter. While certification often requires you to complete an interpreting program, there are some alternate paths that can be taken to become certified. However, there is one requirement for all certified interpreters: All interpreters must take the National Interpreters Certification exam (written and performing)​. Below is a link for more information.
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Online ASL Book Club
Interested in reading and wanting to be involved with a book club? DEAFinitely Readers, an online ASL book club focuses on books that have Deaf and hard-of-hearing characters or books that are written by Deaf and Hard-of-hearing authors. You can click HERE to visit their site.
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For a list of books with deaf and hard-of-hearing characters, click here.
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ASL News
Having access to the news in the world is important to Deaf and Hard-of-hearing people - just like it is to hearing. Below are two great resources for signed unbiased news.
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The Daily Moth
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Sign 1 News
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​Online Game
Deafverse is an opportunity for deaf teens to practice self-determination and build self-advocacy skills by allowing them to make mistakes in a safe environment. Research shows these skill are essential for success during and after high school.
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Podcasts
These podcasts are led by Deaf / Hard-of-hearing creators or by parents with Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing children.
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Raising Deaf Kids - On Apple Podcast
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What the Deaf?! - On YouTube
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Sean and WaWa - YouTube
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As I gather more resources, I'll add them to the lists.