So you’re ready to learn sign language… And it couldn’t be easier to start! If you want to learn sign language, then you’ve come to the right place. The Start ASL team has created a complete 3-Level ASL course curriculum that will get you signing right away! No more scouring the internet only to learn […]
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 been the founders of many organizations, been pioneers in deaf education, written books, painted famous artworks, held world records in sports, acted on several well-known […]
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. No? Maybe, then, you want to learn how to keep that from happening. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Teaching baby sign language to […]
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 Who is your favorite person from deaf history? Beethoven by Kimberly Brunner | April 12, 2017 “Oh, I love this song.” My Grandmother smiles and […]
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, Virginia, U.S.) | January 4, 2010 LeRoy Colombo was born on December 23, 1905 in Galveston, Texas. He was diagnosed with spinal meningitis when he […]
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 as meaningless gestures or pantomime and because of this, ASL wasn’t even considered for use in the education of deaf children–a type of education they […]
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 of these educators in the world and has been known as “The Apostle of the Deaf in America” and “The Father of the Deaf.” Not […]
Laura Redden Searing was born in 1839 and is best known for being the first deaf female journalist. She was sent by the St. Louis Republican to cover the American Civil War in 1860 and lived a life where she never allowed her deafness or age to hold her back. Laura Redden Searing Articles by Students […]
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 Emmett on the hit TV show Switched at Birth. Sean Berdy Articles by Students Sean Berdy by Alex (Buffalo) | May 15, 2014 O.K., O.K., […]
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 students, faculty, and staff at the university as well as the national deaf community were united and fought together for one clear goal… To finally […]
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. Julia Brace Articles by Students Julia Brace by Anonymous | October 6, 2016 The famous deaf person I choose was Julia Brace. She lived a […]
Heather Whitestone McCallum is known as “Miss Deaf America” (even though Miss Deaf America is a different pageant). She was the first deaf woman to be crowned Miss America in the Miss America pageant. Heather is both beautiful and intelligent, and it’s nice to see that the panelists didn’t discriminate against her because she’s deaf. […]
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 Veditz Articles by Students George Veditz by Alyssa Mattingly | October 20, 2016 “ASL is not just a different language, it is a different medium […]
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 founded the first college for the deaf. Edward Miner Gallaudet Articles by Students Who is your favorite person from deaf history? Edward Miner Gallaudet by […]
This ASL dictionary is for you! We have included over 1,000 words and phrases from our Complete 3-Level ASL Course vocabulary lists. This means that if you learn this essential vocabulary from our dictionary, you can start having basic conversations in sign language before you know it! Are you intimidated by massive ASL dictionaries? Then this is the right place to […]
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 and choose a small handful of signs from the vocabulary link below (be sure to include not only need-based signs but sign that will excite […]
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 difference between ASL grammar and English grammar. For all of our phrase videos, we share the English phrase as well as the ASL gloss so […]
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 well as give him the ability to learn new concepts that he may not be able to verbalize. There are many more fun things you […]
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 more from the first words you learned and more closely point out the world your baby is growing into: => Baby Sign Language Vocabulary You […]
ASL 1 – Unit 9 In this unit of the free online sign language classes, you will be learning about verbs. Vocabulary Jobs & Careers Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these vocabulary words. Vocabulary ACCOUNTANT ACTOR AIRFORCE ARCHITECT ARMY/MILITARY ARTIST ASSISTANT BASEBALL PLAYER BLOG BOSS BUILDING CARPENTER […]
ASL 1 – Unit 1 In this unit of the free sign language class, you will be learning how to fingerspell. Vocabulary First Signs Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Good afternoon Good morning Goodbye Goodnight Hello How are you? My name […]
ASL 2 – Unit 8 Inflection In this unit of the free sign language classes, you will be learning about inflection. Vocabulary House & Home Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Excuse me I’m sorry to interrupt, but I have an important […]
ASL 2 – Unit 6 Pluralization In this unit of the free sign language lesson, you will be learning about pluralization. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases Is that true? Sorry, I already have plans. What do you think? Who do you live with? […]
ASL 1 – Unit 7 In this unit, you will learn American Sign Language pronouns and how to index. Vocabulary Friends & Family Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Are you married? Do you have children? How many siblings do you have? […]
ASL 3 – Unit 2 Advanced Role Shifting In this unit as you learn American Sign Language, you will be learning advanced role shifting techniques. Vocabulary Math & Money Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases 11 + 15 = 26 235 x […]
ASL 1 – Unit 5 In this unit, you will learn ASL word order. Vocabulary Colors, Time, & Routine Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Are you hungry? How did you get here? I have to go home. I took the bus […]
ASL 2 – Unit 12 Final Unit In this unit as you learn ASL, you will be wrapping up what you have learned so far. Conversation Comprehension 12.1 Turn to page 14 in your workbook. In the video below, Deborah and Mark are going to have a conversation. In your workbook, some of the dialogue […]
ASL 2 – Unit 7 Conveying Distance In this unit as you learn ASL online, you will be learning how to convey distance. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases I want to introduce you to my friend Julie. My cell phone can email, send […]
ASL 1 – Unit 10 In this unit as you learn sign language free, you will learn about ASL negation. Vocabulary Emotions & Character Traits Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases I feel OK. I feel tired. I feel wonderful. Vocabulary ANNOYING […]
ASL 1 – Unit 3 In this unit as you learn sign language online, you will learn about the five sign parameters. Vocabulary School & Education Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Are you a student? Are you deaf? Are you learning […]
ASL 2 – Unit 10 Object Locations In this unit as you learn sign language online, you will be learning how to sign object locations. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases I put a camera on the top of my front door entrance. My […]
ASL 1 – Unit 2 In this unit, you will be learning American Sign Language numbers and Deaf Culture. Vocabulary Food & Drink Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Can you (please) sign slower? Can you (please) sign that again? Can you […]
ASL 2 – Unit 9 Room Descriptions In this unit as you start learning American Sign Language, you will be learning how to sign room descriptions. Vocabulary Technology & Household Goods Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases How do you wash your […]
ASL 1 Introduction Learning sign language is so much fun! Unfortunately, many ASL classes are not taught correctly, expensive, and scheduled. The ASL classes on this website are much different. They are organized, straight to the point, fun, free, and at your own pace. Materials you will need for the class ASL 1 WORKBOOK (PDF) […]
ASL 1 – Unit 4 In this unit, you will learn more about the five sign parameters because you are learning sign language online. Vocabulary Animals, Home, & Transportation Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Are your parents Deaf? Can you read […]
ASL 2 – Unit 11 Describing Objects In this unit as you are learning sign language online, you will be learning how to describe objects. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases At the beach we wear sun block, sunglasses, and use an umbrella for […]
ASL 1 – Unit 12 In this unit of the online ASL classes, you will learn the rest of the important ASL numbers. Vocabulary Advanced Numbers Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases How old are you? I am 20 years old. See […]
ASL 1 – Unit 8 In this unit of the sign language classes, you will learn more about pronouns and directional verbs. Vocabulary Physical Features & Clothing Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these vocabulary words. Vocabulary BALD BEARD BELT BLACK BRACELET BROKEN CLOTHES DIRTY DRESS FAT FRECKLES […]
ASL 3 – Unit 3 Narratives In this unit of the free American Sign Language classes, you will be learning the basics of how to construct narratives. Vocabulary Life Events Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Her least favorite person got laid […]
ASL 3 – Unit 8 Amenities and Features In this unit of the free American Sign Language course, you will be learning how to sign amenities and features. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases Her car is black and has a loud engine. My […]
ASL 2 – Unit 3 Time Duration and Regularity In this unit of the American Sign Language free classes, you will be learning about time duration and regularity. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases Every morning I wake up happy because I sleep all […]
ASL 2 – Unit 4 Temporal Aspect In this unit of the free American Sign Language instruction, you will be learning about temporal aspect. Vocabulary Activities & Hobbies Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Could you go to the store and pick […]
ASL 2 – Unit 1 Sentence Types In this unit of the online sign language lessons, you will be learning more sentence types. Vocabulary Food & Drink Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Hockey is the best sport to watch live. How […]
ASL 1 – Unit 6 In this unit as you learn sign language online, you will be learning about ASL sentence types. Vocabulary Sports & Music Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these vocabulary words. Vocabulary BASEBALL BASKETBALL BASS BOAT BOWLING DANCE DRUMS FALL-DOWN FAST FIRST FOOTBALL GAME […]
ASL 3 – Unit 1 Role Shifting In this unit of the American Sign Language online classes, you will be learning how to role shift. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases For this job you will need to check your email and clean your […]
ASL 2 – Unit 5 Classifiers In this unit of the free American Sign Language classes, you will be learning about classifiers. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases Do you mind if I borrow your car? I don’t mind that you borrow the car, […]
ASL 2 – Unit 2 Time Signs In this unit of the ASL online classes, you will be learning about time signs. Vocabulary Seasons & Holidays Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases How was your weekend? I am a college student and […]
ASL 3 – Unit 11 Final Unit In this unit of the ASL online classes, we will be wrapping up what you’ve learned in this class. Expression Assignment 3-5 To practice your storytelling expression skills, I want you to use your webcam (or a video camera) and sign your favorite fairy tale. This should be […]
ASL 3 – Unit 4 Accident Narratives In this unit of the free online sign language classes, you will be learning how to sign accident narratives. Vocabulary Health & Medical Care Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases I feel sick with a […]
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 that the deaf were able to be educated by using written words. Before his theory, people believed that it was impossible for people to learn […]
ASL 3 – Unit 5 Giving Information In this unit as you learn sign language free, you will be learning how to give information. Vocabulary Geography & Culture Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases and vocabulary words. Phrases Germany makes the best cars for winter weather […]
ASL 2 Introduction Learning sign language is so much fun! Welcome to the second class in the Start ASL online curriculum! Materials you will need for the class ASL 2 WORKBOOK (PDF) (Required & Free) – You will use the workbook for the class assignments and activities. ASL 2 Vocabulary Study Sheet (PDF) (Helpful & […]
ASL 3 Introduction Learning sign language is so much fun! Welcome to the third class in the Start ASL online curriculum! Materials ASL 3 WORKBOOK (PDF) (Required & Free) – You will use the workbook for the class assignments and activities. ASL 3 Vocabulary Study Sheet (PDF) (Helpful & Free) – This is a list […]
ASL 3 – Unit 9 Storytelling In this unit as you learning sign language online free, you will be learning how to tell a story. Vocabulary Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these phrases. Phrases “Beginning and ending a thought” Once upon a time Storytelling Storytelling is very […]
ASL 3 – Unit 6 Sign Language Games In this unit of the online sign language classes, you will be learning how to sign sign language games. Vocabulary Games Visit the Online Course Vocabulary Category for this unit to view videos of these vocabulary words. Vocabulary GO AHEAD LEADER LOSE NOT ALLOWED NO-WAY POINT TAKE […]
ASL 3 – Unit 7 Handshape Stories and Deaf Jokes In this unit of the online ASL classes, you will be learning about handshape stories and Deaf jokes. Conversation Review 7.1 Turn to page 12 in your workbook. In the video below, Crystal, Christine, and Cristian will have a conversation. Answer the questions in your […]
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 school for the deaf in the United States. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet Articles by Students Who is your favorite person from deaf history? Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet […]
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. However, it’s very useful to study the implications of deafness when you’re becoming involved in the Deaf community. Most hearing people only see the lack […]
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 enjoy being exposed to a wide variety of interesting subject matter and experiences. Interpreting is a very fun and rewarding career. You get to wake […]
We have compiled a great collection of videos showing the top 150 basic ASL sign language words. These are the words that you should learn first. Learning the signs for these ASL sign language words is a great way to build a basic vocabulary foundation before learning full American Sign Language. These 150 words were […]
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 the “Father of the Deaf” of Africa because he founded the first school for the deaf there and went on to establish 31 more. Andrew […]
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 and became deaf. When she was young, she communicated with her family and friends using sign language. When she was seven years old, Marlee started […]
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 Gallaudet and Helen Keller and other’s whom receive less recognition despite their important contributions. My favorite person thus far in Deaf history is one of […]
Memorizing the American Sign Language alphabet (also known as the American Manual Alphabet) is the first step when learning American Sign Language and most new sign language students rely on fingerspelling from the ASL alphabet when they don’t know the sign for something. Grammatically, fingerspelling is used in ASL for signing proper nouns (people’s names, […]
by Jennifer Hatley | July 7, 2017 I find music to be my outlet for so many different things. I chose Johnnie Ray (John Alvin Ray) as he was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. John Alvin Ray made his debut and held his popularity in the 1950s. I find that being able to find […]
Looking for events to attend with the Deaf community or those learning ASL in your area? Or are you looking for others to attend your event? Then this is the place to be!
We try our best to find you accurate events for you to attend. Some events are free, while other events require tickets or an entrance fee. We are not responsible for cancelled events. Contact information is provided as available for each event and not affiliated with StartASL.com.
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 deaf and writing positively about it. Teresa went deaf in her late twenties/early thirties. She was devastated by this, thinking that God was punishing her […]
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 fluently, but had to find new ways of communicating with the world around her. She attended the famous Gallaudet College where she later lived for […]
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 speaks a lot to the person who I’ve chosen to write about, who is known as Pedro Ponce de Leon. A 16th century Spanish Monk, […]
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 and is 19 years old. I picked him because I love music so I searched for hours looking for a deaf musician and I found […]
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 Deaf/Hearing touring theater company where they were both cast members. These two are comedy partners. While they were at a cartooning convention in Missouri, Kay […]
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, England to Cape Griz-Nez. Gertrude was born to German immigrants in New York City on October 23, 1905. She was one of five children. Ederle […]
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 was not deaf herself, but was born to deaf parents. She most famously played Nurse Ratched in the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. […]
by Heather Jensen Scientists have found that the muscles in children’s fingers and hands are develop faster than the ones in their mouth and jaw, which has made baby sign language popular. Teaching your nonverbal child or child who struggles to communicate with sign language can be a great way to give them a voice […]
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 and the Eleanor Roosevelt Humanitarian Award. She and Helen Keller are the only women to receive the Public Service Award from the American Academy of […]
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 Winter Olympic Trials, and at four international competitions from 1980 until 1982, including the Winter World University Games twice. David became the FIRST deaf figure […]
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. McCullough is a Deaf psychotherapist, licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia. She holds certifications as an Approved Clinical Supervisor and a Distance Credentialed […]
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 difficult to find the good ones. We have found the sites below to be the most popular ones out of about 25+ that you may […]
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 Africa and attended high school at De La Bat School for the Deaf. This is where Braam first discovered his knack for political activism. Braam […]
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 himself in “The King of Queens” and also performed in Hercules. Lou was also a body builder and worked closely with former governor of California, […]
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 in American history. Born in 1859, he became Deaf after an incident where he almost drowned in a river at the age of 12. By […]
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 and have a passion for studying the social fabric of Deaf people in other countries. Joel Barish has traveled the globe and has been filmed […]
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 for Chicago newspaper, humorist. “The average deaf person has the peripheral vision of a fish-eye lens, almost 180 degrees, and spots the tiniest movement within […]
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 knowing how to bend your fingers. We miss the colors of the rainbow when we are only able to see the black and white. If […]
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 know that Edison had a hearing loss since childhood and reportedly lost more of his hearing and became technically deaf in his early teens. Thomas […]
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 this world! Throughout his life, he accomplished much more than most do. Aside from creating a wealth of inspiring, beautiful artwork, he also worked with […]
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 short films shot in 35mm film format intended for festival screening some years ago. He has expertised in 35mm film making activities for nearly 20 […]
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 Young was a member of the United States National Guard with the rank of sergeant. However, before going to war in World War II, he […]
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 Worker. Anne Sullivan Articles by Students Anne Sullivan by Annie (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) | May 4, 2010 I believe the person I admire most in the history […]
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 My Children, Children of a Lesser God, Cold Case. Drummer for the only Deaf Band Beethoven’s Nightmare. Teacher of American Sign Language in Mission Hills […]
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 of those small pieces, you can lose your hearing completely. The ear is made up of three parts–the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. […]
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 Language, fingerspelling is used to indicate places, names, or ideas for which there is no official sign. Fingerspelled words can also be used if you […]
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. For example, when your child is frantically waving her arms in the air and signing “help” to you, you would sign “help” back while asking […]
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 found a whole bunch of them. Some of these sign language books are good for use in the classroom while others are great if you […]
Below is a high quality printable free basic sign language chart image and PDF. Keep in mind that you will need Adobe Reader in order to view the PDF. You can get it free here. This American Sign Language chart outlines a few common signs and explanations that may help with communication where fingerspelling can […]
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: Support ASL Gifts Gifts from Amazon.com Love Letters by Emily Have a favorite sign language gift? If you have a favorite ASL gift recommendation or […]
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 have you ever noticed a dog helping a deaf person? It’s true – dogs can be trained to assist deaf people. These hearing dogs are […]
While a hearing test seems like a normal part of having a baby, it is also a source of oppression for many deaf people. In this article, I will describe the procedures for testing hearing, and then share with you why deaf people find them oppressive. The Hearing Test for Infants Newborn infant hearing tests […]
ASL 3 – Unit 10 Interpreting Songs in ASL In this unit of the free American Sign Language lessons, you will be learning how to interpret songs in ASL. Interpreting Songs in ASL One of the most fun ways to use ASL is in the interpretation of songs. Songs interpreted into ASL aren’t used very […]
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 suggest picking a handful of signs. Most parents choose signs that have to do with eating like “eat,” “drink,” or “milk.” Throw in some fun […]
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 used there as well. ISL is more similar to American Sign Language and French Sign Language than British Sign Language and is not related to […]
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 mouthing to distinguish between various signs. ASL uses mouth movements a little bit, but not mouthing to this extent. Fingerspelling is also used more in […]
American Sign Language is NOT a universal language. This is a very common myth that needs to be debunked. Just like the thousands of different languages of the world–there are several different signed languages. We think this fact makes things more exciting because we absolutely love American Sign Language. We love learning it, we love […]
ASL 1 – Unit 14 Did You Enjoy the Class? Share Your Experience! Congratulations! You have completed the StartASL.com ASL 1 class! I hope that you have learned everything you have wanted to learn in ASL 1 and that you enjoyed learning sign language online free. Many new ASL students are very interested to know […]
ASL 1 – Unit 13 In this unit of the sign language course, we will be quizzing you on what you have learned so far. This unit is a cumulative review of everything you have learned so far. You will be quizzed on numbers, vocabulary, comprehension, and expression. Vocabulary Visit our ASL 1 Vocabulary Review […]
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 Language Alphabet page. We have had a great time using flash cards while learning ASL and below are some of our favorites. Please note that […]
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 Signing Myths First, I want to list some myths about teaching your baby sign language: Signing with your baby is a new fad. Your baby […]
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 fingerspelling in ASL. Symbols for Writing ASL Signs American Sign Language symbols were developed in order to write how ASL signs are signed. This is […]
While a complete ASL course is the best way to learn ASL, we have searched for all the best sign language videos if you wish to use one as a supplement to your learning. We have checked them out and read their reviews. There really are a lot of good ones to choose from! The […]
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 Spain, except for Catalonia and Valencia, which have their own signed languages (Catalan Sign Language and Valencian Sign Language). SSL was influenced by American, Mexican, […]
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 Sign Language (PSR). It has been in use since 1800 and in 1809, the first deaf school in Sweden was established. Swedish Sign Language was […]
If you are interested in purchasing American Sign Language software, please keep in mind that desktop software tends to be outdated and takes the form of other more modern types of resources which are more easily updated. We highly recommend our online courses if you want to learn ASL using your computer or mobile device. […]
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, you may notice that she stops using many signs. At this point, some parents will stop using sign language because they have gotten what they […]
Back in the day, deaf people would drive all the way to their friends’ homes to talk to them. Then, the TTY was invented in the 1960’s. Back then, it was called a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). A teletypewriter looks like a word processor. It has a keyboard and a display screen. They […]
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 three signed languages descended from the same parent language and are part of the BANZSL language family. Australian Sign Language has also been influenced by […]
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, but you can also make great friends. When you get together, you will be able to share strategies and progress. You can even learn new […]
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. You can find all of the best baby sign language books and videos we’ve found below: Please note that when you choose to purchase through […]
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 already without buying either of those! However, if you do wish to learn more than what we have offered here, we highly recommend buying one. […]
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 depress your excitement. They may quote the myths we told you about earlier or tell you that signing with your baby will never work. All […]
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. If you sign with your baby long enough, and even when he becomes a toddler, he will most likely start combining signs. This may happen […]
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 Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). These three signed languages descended from the same parent language and are part of the […]
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. Even though the first deaf school using CSL was founded in 1887 by C.R. Mills, an American missionary, and his wife, CSL was not influenced […]
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 pressed a button on your remote that makes white words with a black background pop up on your screen (either on purpose or by accident). […]
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 most likely leave your baby with a caregiver or family member. If your baby’s caregiver is not involved in the signing process, this may be […]
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 no longer a problem for deaf people. A deaf alarm clock is an alarm clock that is usually hooked up to a louder alarm, a […]
Educating the deaf is a hot topic, and these books are indispensable! The education of the deaf has always been a hot topic in the Deaf community, and learning the ins and outs of this education is very important. We can confidently recommend the books below when learning about Deaf education: Please note that when […]
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 her husband in the middle of the night complaining of a headache. She asks him to go to the car to get some aspirin from […]
Great sign language products are hard to come by. There are tons of ASL books, software, and videos out there, but are they all really that good? No, not really. We have searched for the best products to recommend to you. We have checked them out and read their reviews. We want to make sure […]
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. But now, only a short time later, many doors have opened not only because of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but because of deaf […]
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 relay service) and use American Sign Language, their first language, to communicate. Videophones themselves, however, haven’t become very popular. The reason for this is that […]
ASL 1 – Unit 11 In this unit of the online sign language class, you will learn how to identify people. Conversation Read this outline, and then watch the conversation in action on the video clip. Try to recognize what is being said. Watch the video again until you can follow the conversation without the […]
