Blog | Start ASL

American Sign Language

Updated September 18, 2020/2 Comments/in About ASL, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

American Sign Language (ASL) is the natural language of around 500,000 deaf people in the US and Canada. A “natural” language is a language that is learned as a first […]

Start ASL Virtual Office Hours

Updated September 10, 2020/in Start ASL Community /by Michelle Jay

Start ASL offers Virtual Office Hours with our Start ASL Instructor for our Gold level Online Course students. During these meetings, you can discuss challenges you are facing with the […]

Start ASL Live Q&A Sessions

Updated September 10, 2020/in Start ASL Community /by Michelle Jay

Start ASL offers Live Q&A Video Sessions hosted by our ASL Instructor, Jasmine Solis, for our Online Course students. These 1-hour sessions give you the opportunity to meet our Start […]

Start ASL Private Zoom ASL Practice Events

Updated September 10, 2020/in Start ASL Community /by Michelle Jay

Start ASL offers private Zoom ASL social events for students of our Online Course to practice! These are private 45-minute ASL social events and are perfect for you to practice […]

Start ASL Public Zoom ASL Practice Events

Updated September 10, 2020/in Start ASL Community /by Michelle Jay

Start ASL offers free monthly Public Zoom ASL Practice Events for our Free Lessons students as well as the general ASL community to come together and practice ASL! These events […]

American Sign Language for High School Credit

Updated September 8, 2020/in ASL Careers /by Michelle Jay

Start ASL is partnered with many schools that accept our ASL 1, 2, and 3 course levels in order to award American Sign Language for high school credit to their […]

#IloveStartASL Contest 2020 – Official Rules

Updated June 26, 2020/in Uncategorized /by Michelle Jay

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Begins at 6:00:00 a.m. Pacific Time (“PT”) on June 26, 2020. Ends at 11:59:00 […]

Free American Sign Language Lessons (ASL 3 – Unit 10)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learning Sign Language Online Free (ASL 3 – Unit 9)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free American Sign Language Course (ASL 3 – Unit 8)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Online ASL Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 7)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Online Sign Language Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 6)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language Free (ASL 3 – Unit 5)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Online Sign Language Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 4)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free American Sign Language Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 3)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn American Sign Language (ASL 3 – Unit 2)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

American Sign Language Online Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 1)

Updated June 3, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn ASL (ASL 2 – Unit 12)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learning Sign Language Online (ASL 2 – Unit 11)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language Online (ASL 2 – Unit 10)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start Learning American Sign Language (ASL 2 – Unit 9)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Sign Language Classes (ASL 2 – Unit 8)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn ASL Online (ASL 2 – Unit 7)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Sign Language Lesson (ASL 2 – Unit 6)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free American Sign Language Classes (ASL 2 – Unit 5)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free American Sign Language Instruction (ASL 2 – Unit 4)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

American Sign Language Free Classes (ASL 2 – Unit 3)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free ASL Online Classes (ASL 2 – Unit 2)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Online Sign Language Lessons (ASL 2 – Unit 1)

Updated June 2, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Sign Language Course (ASL 1 – Unit 13)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Online ASL Classes (ASL 1 – Unit 12)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Online Sign Language Classes (ASL 1 – Unit 11)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language Free (ASL 1 – Unit 10)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Online Sign Language Classes (ASL 1 – Unit 9)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

American Sign Language Classes (ASL 1 – Unit 8)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn American Sign Language (ASL 1 – Unit 7)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language Online (ASL 1 – Unit 6)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn ASL (American Sign Language) Online (ASL 1 – Unit 5)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Sign Language Class (ASL 1 – Unit 1)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start Learning Sign Language Online (ASL 1 – Unit 4)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language Online (ASL 1 – Unit 3)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start Learning American Sign Language (ASL 1 – Unit 2)

Updated June 1, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Deaf Culture Essentials

Updated May 14, 2020/19 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Learning about Deaf Culture is perhaps the most important part of learning ASL. Deaf Culture was first truly recognized in 1965. The idea that Deaf people had a culture of […]

Famous Deaf People

Updated May 14, 2020/11 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Deaf History, Famous Deaf People /by Start ASL

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 […]

ASL Dictionary – Learn Essential Vocabulary

Updated April 28, 2020/2 Comments/in ASL Dictionary /by Start ASL

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 […]

History of Sign Language – Deaf History

Updated April 28, 2020/34 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

The events that occurred in the history of sign language are actually pretty shocking. How deaf people experience life today is directly related to how they were treated in the […]

American Sign Language Phrases

Updated April 20, 2020/2 Comments/in ASL Dictionary /by Start ASL

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

Updated April 20, 2020/3 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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. […]

History of American Sign Language

Updated April 20, 2020/6 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

The history of American Sign Language didn’t truly begin until 1814 when deaf education was introduced to the United States. There is virtually no information about American Sign Language history […]

Fun American Sign Language Games List

Updated April 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Michelle Jay

We have had some fun experiences with American Sign Language games in the classroom. Here are some of our favorites: Sign Language Telephone Game Remember the game “Telephone” from grade […]

Over 50 of the Best Deaf Jokes

Updated April 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf Culture /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start ASL’s Top 150 Basic ASL Sign Language Words

Updated April 20, 2020/25 Comments/in ASL Dictionary /by Start ASL

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 […]

Sign Language Alphabet | 6 Free Downloads to Learn It Fast

Updated April 20, 2020/40 Comments/in ASL Dictionary /by Start ASL

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 […]

Learn Sign Language with Our Complete 3-Level Course

Updated April 20, 2020/45 Comments/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Matt and Kay Daigle | That Deaf Guy

Updated April 8, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Abbe de L’Epee

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Abbe de L’Epee, a French Catholic priest, founded the first social and religious association for deaf people around 1750. L’Epee’s full name was Abbe Charles Michel de L’Epee and he […]

Learning Beyond The Sign

Updated March 20, 2020/2 Comments/in Free Lessons, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Bob Hiltermann

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Joel Barish – Contemporary Deaf Performer

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

The Deaf Community and How You Can Get Involved

Updated March 20, 2020/5 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

When you are learning American Sign Language, it is important to get involved with the Deaf community. Many believe that learning ASL within the Deaf community is the only true […]

Dr. Candace McCullough

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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. […]

Joseph Henry Sharp

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Lou Ferrigno

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Nanette Fabray

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Regina Olson Hughes

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Gertrude Ederle

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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, […]

Kevin Lucas Smire

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Pedro Ponce de Leon

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Braam Jordaan

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

by Anonymous Braam Jordaan was born profoundly Deaf to Deaf parents in Benoni, Johannesburg. He has achieved outstanding art recognition both locally and internationally. After graduating from TAS, he worked […]

Louise Fletcher

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

David Michalowski

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

I. King Jordan – Deaf People Can Do Anything Except Hear

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Brent

by Brent | November 9, 2017 This now famous quote is from my favorite person in Deaf history – I. King Jordan. He became the first Deaf president of Gallaudet […]

Andrew Foster

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Nellie Zabel Willhite – First Deaf Woman Pilot

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Amee Sevrie

by Clayton Shell | November 16, 2017 Nellie Zabel Willhite was the woman that I had found in my research on “Deaf people in History.” Born November 22, 1892, in […]

Teresa de Cartagena

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Alexander Graham Bell – Helpful or Harmful?

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

We all know Alexander Graham Bell (known as AGB in the Deaf community) as the inventor of the telephone. That makes him a good guy, right? Creating a way for […]

Marie Heurtin – the French Helen Keller

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Amee Sevrie

by Alyssa Weeks | November 14, 2017 My favorite person in deaf history is Marie Heurtin. You might know her as the French Hellen Keller but to many she is […]

Johnnie Ray – Deaf “Father of Rock and Roll”

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Children of a Lesser God

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Children of a Lesser God is a 1986 film that, we believe, brought Deaf Culture and the values of deaf people into the public spotlight. If you have never seen […]

Ferdinand Berthier

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 University

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Madeline Huwaldt

by Madeline Huwaldt | October 3, 2018 Gallaudet University was founded in 1864 and is located in Washington D.C and is a federally chartered private school. Originally Gallaudet was a […]

Alice Cogswell – The Beginning of American Deaf Education

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

When you are 9 years old, you don’t think about making history. Alice Cogswell made history at the age of 9 by sparking the beginning of the creation of American […]

Anne Sullivan

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Cochlear Implants – A Cultural Threat

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

This article discusses a common Deaf cultural view of cochlear implants. Not everyone shares these views and this article is for educational purposes only. The company’s name used throughout the […]

Dummy Hoy (William Hoy) – The First Deaf Major League Baseball Player

Updated March 20, 2020/6 Comments/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Dummy Hoy made history as the first deaf major league baseball player. He’s also not famous just because he was deaf; he was also a remarkably talented and skilled baseball […]

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Sue Thomas

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Sue Thomas was a deaf undercover specialist for the FBI. She was the inspiration for the TV series Sue Thomas: FBEye, an international speaker, author, and founder of Kennels of […]

Marlee Matlin – Deaf Academy Award Winner

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Linda Bove – “Linda the Librarian”

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Linda Bove was born on November 30, 1945 in Garfield, New Jersey to deaf parents. She majored in library science at Gallaudet University and received her bachelor’s degree in 1968. […]

Sean Berdy

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Julia Brace

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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. […]

Edward Miner Gallaudet

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

George William Veditz

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Helen Keller – The First Deaf-Blind College Graduate

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Helen Keller is an internationally acclaimed author and lecturer. And that is so amazing because she was deaf and blind. When I was in elementary school, we learned all about […]

Heather Whitestone – The First Deaf Miss America

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Deaf President Now (DPN)

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Geronimo Cardano

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Juliette Gordon Low – Deaf Founder of the Girl Scouts

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Juliette Gordon Low was a deaf woman who was best known for being the founder of the Girl Scouts organization. Juliette Gordon Low Articles by Students Who is your favorite […]

Laura Redden Searing – First Deaf Female Journalist

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

William Stokoe

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Ludwig Van Beethoven

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf History, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Start ASL

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, […]

Laura Bridgman – The First Helen Keller

Updated March 20, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf History, Famous Deaf People, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Laura Bridgman was the first deaf-blind person to learn language. When you think about the first deaf-blind child to be educated, you will most likely think of Helen Keller. In […]

Deaf Culture Do’s and Don’ts

Updated March 20, 2020/2 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Student Papers /by Michelle Jay

Learning the nuances of Deaf Culture can be difficult for new American Sign Language students. Below you can find some tips and insights about interacting in the Deaf community submitted […]

Deaf Classroom Design

Updated March 20, 2020/0 Comments/in ASL Careers, Student Papers /by Michelle Waldo

by Michelle Waldo | August 28, 2018 When I was in college I spent a semester interning at Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services (D&HHS) in Grand Rapids, MI. One […]

Becoming a Sign Language Interpreter

Updated March 19, 2020/19 Comments/in ASL Careers /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Baby Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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. […]

Teach Your Infant Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

Tips for Starting Your Child with Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

Sign Language for Babies

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

Toddler Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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, […]

Teach Babies Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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, […]

No Baby Sign Language DVD Needed!

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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. […]

Teach Your Baby Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

Sign Language for Infants

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

Teach Your Baby Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Baby Sign Language /by Start ASL

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 […]

TTY – Deaf People Can Order a Pizza, Too!

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Through Deaf Eyes

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Through Deaf Eyes is the most informational movie about Deaf people. Most hearing people are completely clueless when it comes to Deaf people, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. This film […]

Swedish Sign Language (TSP)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

Stockard Channing – Narrator of Through Deaf Eyes

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Stockard Channing is a film, stage, and television actress who narrated the film Through Deaf Eyes. She is best known for her role as First Lady Abbey Bartlet on The […]

Spanish Sign Language (SSL)

Updated March 12, 2020/4 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

The Best Songs in Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/4 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

American Sign Language is a very expressive language. Songs in sign language are therefore equally expressive and many times are more expressive than their purely vocal versions. If you’re interested […]

Interpreting Songs for the Deaf

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Signing songs for the deaf is a great way for students to learn a LOT of vocabulary and retain that vocabulary for a long time. If you need to interpret […]

The Best Sign Language Video Recommendations

Updated March 12, 2020/3 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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 […]

American Sign Language Symbols and Letters

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in About ASL /by Start ASL

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 […]

Our Favorite Sign Language Flashcards

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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 Languages of the World – ASL is NOT Universal

Updated March 12, 2020/13 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

Japanese Sign Language (JSL)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

An Interview with Jamie Berke

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

An Interview with the Famous (Now Former) About.com Deafness Guide If you have ever researched deafness, deaf people, or sign language online, you have most likely landed on one of […]

Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

I LOVE YOU Sign Language Sign

Updated March 12, 2020/9 Comments/in ASL Dictionary /by Michelle Jay

The Truth Behind the Sign I read something incredibly amusing today about the “I Love You” sign language sign. I read the “article” on a page called Signs of Satan. […]

The Hearing Test and Why Deaf People Hate It

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Hearing Dogs for the Deaf

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Free Basic Sign Language Chart

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in About ASL /by Start ASL

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 […]

Fingerspelling in American Sign Language

Updated March 12, 2020/3 Comments/in About ASL /by Start ASL

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 […]

Ear Anatomy – Tiny Pieces with Big Jobs

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

An Interview with Dianrez – Deaf Blogger

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

If you have ever wanted to read the true thoughts of a Deaf person who is a strong advocate for Deaf culture and is a proponent of the Deaf community, […]

Deanne Bray – Deaf Actress from Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

Deanne Bray is a well known deaf actress who was probably the first deaf person Hollywood created an entire television show around. She is best known for playing Sue Thomas […]

Deaf VP (Videophone Directory)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Deaf Technology – Opening Doors for the Deaf

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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. […]

The Story of Deaf Smith – A Hero of the Texas Revolution

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

Deaf Smith is famous for the important role he played in the Texas Revolution. Erastus “Deaf” Smith was born April 19, 1787 in Dutchess County, New York and lost most […]

The Best ASL Resources and Deaf Products on the Market

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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. […]

Deaf Olympics “Deaflympics”

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

The Deaf Olympics, known as the Deaflympics, are international athletic competitions for the deaf. The Deaflympics started in Paris in 1924 and have had three official names: “International Games for […]

The Best Deaf Education Book Recommendations

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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 […]

Deaf Alarm Clock

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Closed Captioning for the Deaf

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]

Chinese Sign Language (CSL)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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. […]

British Sign Language (BSL)

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

The Best Baby Sign Language Books

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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. […]

Auslan (Australian Sign Language)

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in International Sign Languages /by Start ASL

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 […]

American Sign Language Software Recommendations

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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 […]

Who Invented Sign Language?

Updated March 12, 2020/8 Comments/in Deaf History /by Michelle Jay

The question of who invented sign language has sparked much debate and has a vague answer. If you want to know who invented sign language, you need to analyze the events […]

Switched at Birth – Deaf Culture on Television

Updated March 12, 2020/1 Comment/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Switched at Birth is a television show featured on ABC Family that has truly brought American Sign Language and Deaf Culture into the living rooms of today’s generation. It is […]

Quality Sign Language Gifts

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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: […]

The Best Sign Language Book Recommendations

Updated March 12, 2020/9 Comments/in Product Recommendations /by Start ASL

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 […]

Shoshannah Stern

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

Shoshannah Stern is a well known deaf actress who is best known for her roles as Bonnie Richmond in Jericho, Holly Brodeen in Threat Matrix, and Megan Graves on Weeds. […]

Deaf Culture Art / Deaf Art

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Deaf Culture /by Michelle Jay

Deaf culture art is a cultural art that reaches both positive and negative ends of the spectrum unlike any other. You can learn so much about the Deaf simply by […]

Henry Kisor – Famous Deaf Author

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Famous Deaf People /by Start ASL

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 […]

Find an American Sign Language Practice Partner!

Updated March 12, 2020/in Start ASL Community /by Michelle Jay

Are you learning American Sign Language on your own? Finding an ASL partner with whom to practice your signing skills is an integral part of learning this language. And since […]

Deaf Events and ASL Meetups

Updated March 12, 2020/6 Comments/in Start ASL Community /by Start ASL

CONTENTS

Hearing Loss or Deafness Gain?

Updated March 12, 2020/0 Comments/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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. […]

Famous Deaf Actors – Bringing ASL to Life

Updated March 12, 2020/2 Comments/in Deaf Culture, Famous Deaf People /by Michelle Jay

Truly Inspirational There have been several famous deaf actors in the media that have made significant contributions to the deaf community and hearing society. If not for them and their […]

Start Learning Sign Language (ASL 1 – Intro)

Updated March 12, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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. […]

Learning Sign Language Online Free (ASL 1 – Unit 14)

Updated March 12, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

ASL Online Classes (ASL 3 – Unit 11)

Updated March 12, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start Learning Sign Language (ASL 2 – Intro)

Updated March 12, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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 […]

Start Learning Sign Language (ASL 3 – Intro)

Updated March 12, 2020/in Free Lessons /by Start ASL

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) – […]

Our Top 6 Deaf Dating Sites

Updated March 10, 2020/1 Comment/in Hearing Loss /by Start ASL

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 […]