Several resources exist for students, family members, and professionals who are learning American Sign Language (ASL). The following list is not comprehensive but instead provides a sample of available resources.
MDE-LIO does not endorse the purchase or use of any non-State Board of Education-adopted commercial products. Products and services noted below are included for information only and their inclusion should not be interpreted as a recommendation of MDE-LIO.
ASL Standards
ASL Content Standards for Kindergarten Through Grade 12
Gallaudet University developed the K-12 ASL Standards to ensure that children who are DHH acquire and learn ASL in much the same way that hearing children in the United States acquire and learn English. ASL standards were developed to do more than just ensure students who are DHH become fluent in ASL. The standards also support students’ use of ASL for critical thinking.
ASL Dictionaries
The Gallaudet Children's Dictionary of American Sign Language
This online dictionary features more than 1,000 ASL sign drawings, color illustrations, sample sentences, an index of English terms for each sign, and more.
Signing Savvy
Signing Savvy is a sign language dictionary that contains several thousand high-resolution videos of ASL signs, fingerspelled words, and other common signs used in the United States and Canada.
ASL Video Dictionary and Inflection Guide
This dictionary and guide shows thousands of signs in crisp color video and links them to sentences that demonstrate how they change to convey different meanings. This powerful program has many interactive features for learning and studying ASL. Subscription service is required.
MasterTech
MasterTech is a basic dictionary of ASL terms that features both animated and text definitions.
CommTechLab
CommTechLab is a basic ASL dictionary from Michigan State University that features searchable animated and text definitions.
HandSpeak
HandSpeak is a basic dictionary of ASL terms that has both animated and text definitions. Other resources include translation, fingerspelling, culture, ASL writing, and a library.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP)
This website offers free access to a large collection of online ASL learning materials.
American Sign Language University
ASL University offers free ASL video dictionaries, lessons, and fingerspelling practice.
ASL Deafined
This interactive website is for anyone who wants to learn ASL. This site was developed to help students improve their English grammar, for parents to improve their sign language skills, and for the community at large to learn to sign.
ASL Nook
ASL Nook is an online hub of videos where a Deaf family teaches ASL in a casual, fun manner.
Signing Times
This interactive website teaches children of all abilities and ages how to communicate using ASL through original songs, music, captivating video clips, and animation.
SignOn Connect
SignOn is an interactive platform that connects the hearing and Deaf communities through authentic learning interactions.
ASL Curricula
American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) Online Classes
ASDC offers online ASL classes taught by professional ASL teachers. Members receive discounts on all classes.
Sign It!
Sign It! is an innovative new online curriculum for learning ASL. The curriculum is free for parents/guardians who have a child who is DHH and is three years of age or younger.
ASL Connect
Gallaudet University offers ASL Connect, a site that provides highly engaging and interactive courses in basic ASL and Deaf studies.
Start ASL
This website offers a comprehensive way to learn American Sign Language online with a full curriculum.
American Sign Language Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (ASL CIA)
This resource provides teaching materials for three focused areas: curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The site fosters an environment of sharing and providing educational ASL resources for students who are DHH from early childhood through 12th grade. There is a small yearly fee to subscribe.
myASLTech
This website offers assistive technology tools for creating and archiving ASL-supported educational materials and quizzes; supporting text with sign graphics and video in real time; building and sharing creations with other members; and playing games and viewing stories that reinforce ASL and English literacy.