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

ASL Video of the Week: Summer!
Hello friends! To kick off the summer break, here’s a great story about “Summer”, written by Alice Low and signed by Jeni Jackerson. In this "Bright & Early Board Book" in the Dr. Suess Series, you will learn a lot of fun signs relating to summer activities!...

Summer Youth Camps 2022
Gallaudet University and RIT offer a variety of Summer Youth Camps! Take a look and register soon! RIT is offering a variety of Summer Day Camps this year! Follow the link and see what is being offered for kids of all ages. Be sure to check the locations as some are...

Nueva en Julio! Clase de ASL en Español (Spanish Beginning ASL Class)
Curso de 4 partes | Clase de ASL en Español (Spanish Beginning ASL Class) Esta emocionante clase de cuatro semanas es para aquellos que conocen poco o nada del lenguaje de señas americano. Aprende deletreo manual, vocabulario, conversaciones y más. El tamaño de...

NEW to ASDC’s ASL Stories Directory! Storysigning Coloring Pages!
Interactive coloring fun for the family! New pages every month! ASDC loves to make learning ASL fun, that's why we're introducing our new Storysigning Coloring Pages! Each month, you'll find new additions to our ASL Stories Directory/ColoringPages where you can...
ASL Video of the Week: 8 Different Meanings of CLIMB in ASL!
What does the word CLIMB look like in ASL? Explore eight different meanings of the word CLIMB in ASL! This video will take you through eight different ways to use the word climb and how they are used in various ways to describe many different experiences! Interpreter:...
Section 504: Your Input is Needed
US Department of Education - Office of Civil Rights to review the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Amendments to Section 504 being proposed "Just as in 1977, the voices of people with disabilities must be heard and incorporated..." The US Dept of Education Office of...

May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May in the United States to highlight the history, heritage and contributions of Asian Pacific American communities. Asian-Americans and Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) play a large role in the history...

Happy Mother’s Day from ASDC!
On Mother's Day (and every day) we celebrate moms and everything they do! Watch this special video message made especially for some pretty amazing people in our world! (You might find one just for you!) A fun learning activity for you and your...
April 15th is National ASL Day
Today, April 15th, we observe National ASL Day! It is a great opportunity to celebrate and learn more about American Sign Language. On this day in 1817, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) opened in Hartford, Connecticut. There, teachers and students worked...

ASL Resources for St. Patrick’s Day
We’ve gathered ASL videos to help you and your family learn signs and stories about St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17.