Visual Language
Sign Language Use for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing Babies: The Evidence Supports It
Drawing from a large body of research, there is a clear argument favoring the use of sign language with all children, regardless of their hearing status. This argument is based on three basic points:- Early language learning experiences affect other areas of development and are critical to children’s future success.
- Sign language provides the earliest possible mode through which children can learn expressive language skills.
- All children can benefit from the use of sign language, with no risk to other language skills
- Hearing children
- Deaf children
- Hard of hearing children
- Any child benefiting from technological auditory assistance
- The brain is most receptive to language acquisition during “sensitive periods” early in a child’s development.
- Deaf and hard of hearing children who receive early intervention services have been found to have better language outcomes.
- High levels of family involvement have been found to produce greater language development outcomes in deaf and hard of hearing children.
- Acquiring a complete first language during early childhood is critical for later reading comprehension.
- Learning two languages (that is, American Sign Language and English) is advantageous for deaf and hard of hearing children.
- A child’s language foundation is an important factor in spoken language development.
All Visual Language Articles
Holiday Card Art Contest – Deadline Extended!
We’re inviting kids ages 3-17 to show off their artistic skills by drawing their interpretation of our 2022 Holiday Theme: “Holiday Fun with Family and Friends”. Enter today for your chance to be one of five featured artists in our 2022 Holiday Card Collection!...
ASL Video of the Week: When I’m Frustrated
Handling big feelings like frustration can be difficult for children, especially when there are barriers in language and communication. This social story will help you teach and show your child and/or students how to handle frustration in a positive way by using...
ASL Video of the Week 10/13/22: ASL Signs for OCTOBER with ASDC
October is the best month of the year! This week's ASL video is presented by Ursa Rewolinski, who teaches at our ASL Weekends and at the Texas School for the Deaf. A great learning video, just in time for Halloween! Be sure to visit ASDC's YouTube channel and ASL...
Seeking Actors! Signs of Communication and ASDC Video Collaboration
We're excited to announce that Signs of Communication, LLC and the American Society for Deaf Children are partnering to create a social-emotional learning video series. This is a series of video episodes (each approximately 10-15min) that shows how families learn to...
NEW ONLINE CLASS: Holidays in ASL
It's that time of year! Join us for this fun and interactive ASL class to learn useful signs for holidays and special events that are celebrated throughout the year. Day: Monday, October 24, 2021 Time: 8:00 - 9:30 pm (Eastern) Teacher: Edna Johnston...
ASL Video of the Week 9/28/22: Perspectives of Hearing Parents of a Deaf Child
As September and Deaf Awareness Month come to a close, our ASL Video of the Week takes a different approach in offering some insight from parents. This week, Peter Kimball & Anne Bennett share their perspectives on how their family has navigated the complexities...
ASL Video of the Week 9/22/22: Meanings of GIVE in ASL
There are several different meanings of the word GIVE and they are all signed in different ways! Learn about those differences and how you can use them appropriately! Sentences are related to reading opportunities, not ASL translations. ASL Presenters: Ashley Russ,...
Enter ASDC’s 2022 Holiday Card Art Contest
We’re inviting kids ages 3-17 to show off their artistic skills by drawing their interpretation of our 2022 Holiday Theme: “Holiday Fun with Family and Friends”. Enter today for your chance to be one of five featured artists in our 2022 Holiday Card Collection!...
NEW ONLINE CLASSES! See the Fall Line-up for Online ASL Classes
Want to print and/or download a copy of the Online Class Schedule? Here's the link!
ASL Video of the Week 9/15/22: Sesame Street: “If You Love Counting and You Know It” in ASL!
Get ready to count, clap, jump, and count some more in The Count's version of this classic nursery rhyme, If You Love Counting and You Know It, in ASL! ASL video and translation created by Hypernovas ProductionsASL performed by Chelsea Lee, Joey Antonio, and Phelan...