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Deaf Culture
Famous Deaf People

No Hearing People Here! Deaf people have been more in the spotlight than you know. There are so many famous deaf people and famous hard of hearing people who have

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Baby Sign Language
Teach Your Baby Sign Language

12 Easy Steps for Communication with Your Baby Let me guess…your baby is crying uncontrollably and you want to know what he wants so your ears can take a break.

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Ludwig Van Beethoven was completely deaf for the last part of his life and yet managed to produce some of the greatest music of all time. Beethoven Articles by Students

LeRoy Colombo – Famous Deaf Lifeguard

LeRoy Colombo was a famous deaf lifeguard entered into the Guinness Book of World Records for saving 907 lives. Leroy Colombo Articles by Students LeRoy Colombo by Leah Ward (Williamsburg,

William Stokoe

William Stokoe – or William C. Stokoe Jr. – changed the course of American Sign Language history. Before Stokoe, ASL was not seen as a real language. It was seen

Laurent Clerc

Laurent Clerc played a significant part in the history of American Sign Language and was the first deaf teacher of the deaf in America. He was also among the first

Sean Berdy

Sean Berdy is a deaf actor, comedian and dancer. He was in Sandlot 2, Legend of the Mountain Man, The Deaf Family, and is best known for his role as

Deaf President Now (DPN)

A big event that occurred in Deaf history was the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. DPN was a huge protest at Gallaudet University that started in March of 1988. The

Julia Brace

Julia Brace was a deaf-blind girl who was born before both Laura Bridgman and Helen Keller. She was successfully educated, but lost the credit as the first to Helen Keller.

George William Veditz

George Veditz was a former president of the National Association of the Deaf of the United States and was one of the first to film American Sign Language. George William

Edward Miner Gallaudet

When Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet died in 1851, his youngest son Edward Miner Gallaudet continued his legacy in deaf education, played a big part in the history of American Sign Language, and

Sign Language for Infants

Step 3 – Start Talking Are you ready to start signing? This is so exciting! It’s now time to choose the signs you are going to start with. Go ahead

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ASL Dictionary
American Sign Language Phrases

A great introduction to learning ASL is studying American Sign Language phrases. While doing this, you can get a great taste of vocabulary as well as begin to understand the

Teach Your Baby Sign Language

Step 9 – Advancing Your child is growing and advancing! How exciting! You are now probably combining signs and speech with your child. This can greatly enhance his vocabulary as

Learn Baby Signs

Step 6 – More Signs Moving on from basic signs you learned in Step 3, choose some secondary words from the vocabulary link below. Try to branch out a little

Free Sign Language: ASL 2 – Unit 8 Sample

In this unit sample of our free sign language classes, you will be learning about inflection. Inflection (Adverbs) Adverbs can modify an adjective, a verb, or another adverb to indicate

Free Sign Language Lesson: ASL 2 – Unit 6 Sample

In this unit sample of our free sign language lesson, you will be learning about pluralization. Pluralization In English, nouns become plural with the “-s” or “-es” suffix. However, ASL

Learn ASL: ASL 1 – Unit 5 Sample

In this unit sample, you will learn ASL word order. Word Order ASL sentences follow a “TOPIC” “COMMENT” structure. This is the same as the English “subject” “predicate” structure. However,

Learn ASL: ASL 4 Unit 8 Sample

In this unit sample as you learn ASL, you will be learning about regional sign variation. Regional Sign Variation Presentation In the video below, you will see a short presentation

Learn ASL Online: ASL 2 – Unit 7 Sample

In this unit sample as you learn ASL online, you will be learning how to convey distance. Conveying Distance You can convey distance with non-manual behaviors. These behaviors specify whether

Learning American Sign Language: ASL 1 – Unit 2 Sample

In this unit sample, you will be learning American Sign Language lexicalized fingerspelling. Vocabulary – Food & Drink Lexicalized Fingerspelling Lexicalized fingerspelling (sometimes called “loan signs”) is fingerspelling that looks

Online ASL: ASL 4 – Unit 3 Sample

In this unit sample of our online ASL course, you will learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Presentation In the presentation below, you

Sign Language Classes: ASL 3 – Unit 3 Sample

In this unit sample of the free American Sign Language classes, you will be learning the basics of how to construct narratives. Conversation 3.2 Read this outline, and then watch the

Sign Language Course: ASL 3 – Unit 8 Sample

In this unit sample of the free American Sign Language course, you will be learning how to sign amenities and features. Conversation 3.6 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in

Sign Language Free: ASL 2 – Unit 3 Sample

In this unit sample of the American Sign Language free classes, you will be watching ASL in action in a conversation. Conversation 2.2 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in

Sign Language Lessons: ASL 2 – Unit 1 Sample

In this unit sample of the online sign language lessons, you will be learning more sentence types. Conversation 2.1 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action in the video

Sign Language Online: ASL 1 – Unit 6 Sample

In this unit sample as you learn sign language online, you will be learning about ASL questions. Sentence Types: Questions There are a few different sentence types in ASL. These

Sign Language Online: ASL 3 – Unit 1 Sample

In this unit sample of our American Sign Language online classes, you will dive right into more complex conversations. Conversation 3.1 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action in

ASL Online: ASL 2 – Unit 2 Sample

In this unit sample of the ASL online classes, you will be learning about numeral incorporation. Numeral Incorporation Numeral incorporation means incorporating a number into a sign. Just like how

ASL Online: ASL 4 – Unit 9 Sample

In this unit sample as you learn ASL online, you will be learning about idioms in ASL. ASL Idioms Presentation In the video below, you will see a short presentation

Geronimo Cardano

Geronimo Cardano played a significant role in the history of sign language–particularly in the history of deaf education. Cardano was an Italian mathematician and physician. He discovered in the 1500s

Learning Sign Language: ASL 4 – Unit 6 Sample

In this unit sample as you are learning sign language, you will learn how to sign opinions and debating. Conversation 4.6 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action in

Learning Sign Language: ASL 4 – Unit 10 Sample

In this unit sample as you are learning sign language, you will be learning about ASL interpreting. Conversation 4.10 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action in the video

Online ASL: ASL 3 – Unit 7 Sample

In this unit sample of the online ASL classes, you will be learning about handshape stories and Deaf jokes. Deaf/ASL Art and Literature Lesson The Deaf highly value the literature

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

Dr. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet is probably the most influential person in the history of American Sign Language. Gallaudet, along with Laurent Clerc, was responsible for starting the first free public

Hearing Loss or Deafness Gain?

Hearing loss is more like “Deafness Gain” to people who are part of Deaf Culture. The loss of hearing is actually a very small part of being a Deaf person.

Becoming a Sign Language Interpreter

Becoming an American Sign Language interpreter is a very popular choice for many ASL students. People choose to become interpreters because they love American Sign Language, love Deaf people, and

Andrew Foster

Andrew Foster is a very important person in Deaf history. He was the first African American Deaf person to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from Gallaudet University and is known as

Marlee Matlin – Deaf Academy Award Winner

Marlee Matlin was born in Morton Grove, Illinois on August 24th, 1965. After she came down with the German Measles at the age of eighteen months, she lost her hearing

Ferdinand Berthier

by Catherine Ritchie | July 22, 2017 The Deaf community has a rich culture with many prominent figures in its history. Some whose names are fairly well known such as

Teresa de Cartagena

by Jack | April 7, 2017 Teresa de Cartagena was a nun in 15th Century Spain. She is remarkable for being Spain’s first feminist writer as well as for being

Regina Olson Hughes

by Cynthia Brainerd | February 27, 2017 Regina Olson Hughes (1895-1993) became fully deaf at the age of 14, due to the effects of scarlet fever. She could still speak

Pedro Ponce de Leon

by Marcus McNeal | November 29, 2016 “Everybody has to start somewhere. You have your whole future ahead of you. Perfection doesn’t happen right away.” (Haruki Murakami, 2006). The quote

Kevin Lucas Smire

by David Cooper | October 13, 2016 The deaf person wrote about was Kevin Lucas Smire who was also known as “Deaf Kev.” He was born on October 28, 1996

Matt and Kay Daigle | That Deaf Guy

by Karri Kimery | August 18, 2016 As I was reading about people in the deaf community, I came across Matt and Kay Daigle.  These two met in 1993, at

Gertrude Ederle

by Natalie Picone | August 27, 2016 In 1926 at the age of 19, Gertrude Ederle was the first woman to swim across the English Channel.  Twenty-one miles from Dover,

Louise Fletcher

by Lisa | February 3, 2016 I’m going to talk about someone here who first opened my eyes to sign language, and that is the actress Louise Fletcher. Louise Fletcher

Nanette Fabray

by Nanette Kaufmann (Kissimmee, Florida) Award winning actress and advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities. Her honors representing the handicapped are many, including the President’s Distinguished Service-vice Award

David Michalowski

by Anonymous David Michalowski, profoundly deaf since birth, grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He competed at the United States Figure Skating National Championships from 1978 until 1982, including the 1980

Dr. Candace McCullough

by Anne (Richmond, VA) Dr. Candace McCullough is the first Deaf psychologist to set up a counseling business. She makes counseling services accessible to Deaf people all over the states. Dr.

Our Top 7 Deaf Dating Sites

Deaf dating sites are popular among many in the deaf and hard of hearing communities. However, there are a lot of niche dating sites out there that it can be

Braam Jordaan

by Anonymous (03/25/2020) Braam Jordaan was born in Benoni, South Africa in 1981. He was born “profoundly deaf to deaf parents”. Jordaan and his family moved to Cape Town, South

Lou Ferrigno

by Hannah (Indiana) Lou has been an inspiration to many deaf, he played the Hulk in the original series, he also appeared in “I love you, Man” and appeared as

Joseph Henry Sharp

by Kristyn Murray (Houston, Texas) Joseph Henry Sharp was one of the founding members of the Taos Society of Artists, a group that produced some of the most significant artwork

Joel Barish – Contemporary Deaf Performer

by Sara Huang (Taipei, Taiwan) | March 12, 2013 I have read a lot about the oppression of the Deaf, but I really appreciate people who have embraced Deaf culture

Henry Kisor – Famous Deaf Author

Henry Kisor is the author of What’s that Pig Outdoors? and other novels based on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan locales. Deaf all his life, blogger, professional editor and writer

Learning Beyond The Sign

by Janeel Hew (Hawaii) | June 18, 2010 Understanding the past, helps us to embrace the present. Finally an online class, that teaches you that learning ASL means more than

Thomas Alva Edison

by Kamalakannan (India) Another famous deaf person is Thomas Alva Edison who was born on February 11, 1847. He was an American scientist, inventor, and businessman. However, many people don’t

Granville Redmond

by Grace (Canada) My favorite deaf historical figure is Granville Redmond. His struggle to be accepted by the common man is fairly touching, and his paintings are simply out of

Robert Hoskin

by Joseph Heenan (Frankston, Australia) | March 8, 2013 The 48 year old Australian named Robert Hoskin is a well-known deaf filmmaker who has won several film awards from his

Rodger Young

by Anonymous Rodger Young was a deaf man who faked his Army hearing test in World War II. He won a Posthumous Medal of Honor in the Soloman Islands. Rodger

Anne Sullivan

Anne Sullivan is one of the most well-known teachers in history. She is best known for being the teacher of Helen Keller and the subject of movies such as The Miracle

Bob Hiltermann

by Anonymous | March 2, 2013 Bob Hiltermann is a well known Deaf actor and is known for: Founder of Deaf West Theater (Fountain Theater) in North Hollywood California. All

Ear Anatomy – Tiny Pieces with Big Jobs

Ear anatomy is not as complex as you might think. There are only a few anatomical parts that make hearing possible. However, if there is something wrong with any one

Fingerspelling in American Sign Language

As you are learning sign language, you need to master the skill of American Sign Language fingerspelling (spelling out words by hand one letter at a time). In American Sign

Free Baby Sign Language

Step 8 – Taming Stress Signing, like I said before, is great for preventing tantrums with your baby. Signing helps eliminate the frustration your child feels when she can’t communicate.

The Best Sign Language Book Recommendations

We have searched for the best sign language books, checked them out, and read their reviews. All of the best sign language books we’ve found are listed below. Fortunately, we

Free Basic Sign Language Chart

Below is a high quality printable free basic sign language chart image and PDF. Download Our Free Basic Sign Language Chart PDF Keep in mind that you will need Adobe

Quality Sign Language Gifts

Great Ideas for that Perfect Gift! There are so many great gifts available to give to a friend or relative who loves ASL! Check out some of our favorites below:

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

It’s not uncommon to see a dog leading and assisting a blind person. You have probably seen a few of those trained dogs during the course of your life. But

Teach Your Infant Sign Language

Step 2 – Getting Started The first thing you will do before you start teaching your infant sign language is pick the signs you are going to begin with. I

Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Irish Sign Language (ISL) is the sign language used in Ireland (primarily in the Republic of Ireland). ISL is also used in Northern Ireland, but British Sign Language (BSL) is

Japanese Sign Language (JSL)

Japanese Sign Language (JSL) is the sign language used in Japan. Just like how Japanese is completely different from English, JSL is completely different from ASL. For one, JSL uses

Sign Language Course: ASL 4 – Unit 4 Sample

In this unit sample of our American Sign Language course, you will learn how to sign about science and religion. Conversation 4.4 Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action

Our Favorite Sign Language Flashcards

Using sign language flashcards is a great way to retain the ASL you’re learning when taking an ASL course. You can find our ASL Alphabet flashcards on our American Sign

Sign Language for Babies

Step 1 – Introduction Yes, you need to read an introduction before starting. This will just give you a background about why sign language for babies is so effective. Baby

American Sign Language Symbols and Letters

There are many different American Sign Language symbols and letters that are used in a variety of ways. There are symbols used for writing ASL signs, glossing ASL sentences, and

Spanish Sign Language (SSL)

Spanish Sign Language is  the sign language used in Spain. Just like how Spanish is completely different from English, SSL is completely different from ASL. SSL is the same across

Swedish Sign Language (TSP)

Swedish Sign Language (TSP) is the sign language used in Sweden. TSP did not stem from any other sign languages, but it did influence Finnish Sign Language (FSL) and Portuguese

Toddler Sign Language

Step 10 – Your Growing Child When your child begins to speak, you may want to continue to teach your toddler sign language. If your child has begun to speak,

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is a beautiful language. It is the sign language used in Australia and is related to British Sign Language (BSL) and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). These

Teach Babies Sign Language

Step 11 – Finding More Signers Getting connected with other parents who teach their babies sign language can truly be a great thing. Not only do you have some support,

The Best Baby Sign Language Books

At Start ASL, you can teach your baby sign language in 12 easy steps. Another great way to learn is to use highly recommended baby sign language books and videos.

No Baby Sign Language DVD Needed!

Step 12 – Conclusion Many parents buy a baby sign language DVD or many books to learn what you have learned in these 12 steps. You have learned so much

Baby Signing

Step 4 – When Things Don’t Go the Way You Planned You may encounter some friends or family that don’t believe in baby signing. Skeptical friends and family can definitely

Learn Baby Talk Sign Language

Step 7 – Sign Combinations Babies will often start to combine vocal words (the baby talk begins!) as they progress in their learning. This is the same for signing children.

British Sign Language (BSL)

British Sign Language  is the sign language used in the United Kingdom (UK). One of the most notable features of BSL is their two-handed manual alphabet. BSL is related to

Chinese Sign Language (CSL)

Chinese Sign Language (CSL) has been developing mostly since the late 1950’s and its signs are like written Chinese characters. CSL has several dialects with Shanghai being the most common.

Closed Captioning for the Deaf

Lip-reading is rather unsuccessful (only an average of 20% understanding). Closed captioning, however, takes all the lip-reading out of watching television! You have probably watched television. And you have probably

Teach Your Baby Sign Language

Step 5 – Caregivers Some parents who use baby sign language stay at home with their children while others leave for work. If you are working away from home, you

Deaf Alarm Clock

Many people wonder how deaf people are able to wake up if they can’t hear an alarm. However, with the advent of new technology for the deaf, waking up is

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Deaf Culture
Over 50 of the Best Deaf Jokes

Here are some of the best deaf jokes we’ve heard over the years: The Motel A deaf couple check into a motel and go to bed early. The wife wakes

Deaf Technology – Opening Doors for the Deaf

Deaf people didn’t have many careers choices a few decades ago. They would usually find themselves working in trade jobs, non-profit work, or as teachers at schools for the deaf.

Deaf VP (Videophone Directory)

Deaf Videophone Directory Deaf VP was a Deaf Videophone directory created by Sorenson. Videophones are telephones with a video screen. They enable deaf people to call each other (or a

Online Sign Language: ASL 4 – Unit 2 Sample

In this unit sample of our online sign language course, you will learn about how to sign about health and hearing loss. Conversation 4.2 Read this outline, and then watch the

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Take ASL 1 For Free!

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