We've started off 2019 with new programs and resources that you and your family will love. In this issue, discover three ways to take your ASL skills to the next level, learn about the importance of Deaf adult role models, download your 2019 ASDC wall calendar, and get the scoop on recent news and upcoming events.

Three Ways to Improve Your ASL Skills

#1: SignOn with ASDC

Are you learning ASL to communicate with your Deaf or hard of hearing child? SignOn is a virtual immersion program that lets you practice ASL live with a Deaf adult from the comfort of your own computer. With SignOn, you get:

ASDC member families are now eligible to receive five FREE sessions (a $125 value). This offer is available to the first 500 families who apply, so don’t wait!

Not an ASDC member?  Join or renew now

#2: Online Family Learning Experience

Our friends at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center are offering this first-ever online learning opportunity exclusively for families of deaf and hard of hearing babies. Learn about recommended strategies for both visual and auditory language acquisition to help your child reach optimal language, literacy, and social-emotional development.

This 4-day event is online, so you can attend from home. And it's free!

#3: ASL Weekend in Scranton, PA

Take your ASL skills to the next level! Join us or a fun, intensive two-day workshop lead by our team of experienced instructors. Get personalized instruction, small group practice, and review important topics including:

ASL Weekend: Scranton, PA (June 1-2)

We welcome parents, professionals, and kids ages 16 and up. Scholarships are available for ASDC members. Space is limited, so register today!

The Importance of Deaf Role Models

Did you know? More than 90% of Deaf and hard of hearing children are born to hearing parents who don’t know American Sign Language (ASL). And most of those hearing parents (up to 88%) will never learn it, despite the fact that there is much evidence that learning ASL will lead to better outcomes for their child. What can be done to help hearing parents start - and stick with - learning ASL? One person who can make a significant difference is an Deaf adult role model.

In this new article by Tracy Stine, you'll learn what Deaf adult role models can do for families, what research says about their impact, and how you can find a Deaf role model.

Fabulous Fundraising

For the past three years, Arthur Rann Elementary School in Galloway Township, NJ has welcomed new deaf students, many who rely on ASL to communicate. This school has embraced the opportunity to work with deaf students, and their staff has been working hard to learn ASL.

This year, staff voted to donate the $1,200 they raised at their 15th Annual Snowball Sling to ASDC! A special thank you goes out to Caroline Spilker, 4th grade teacher and Spirit Committee Coordinator.

Poll: Tell us what you think!

We want you to get the most out ASDC newsletters. Any tips or suggestions to make your experience with us a better one are welcome. Please take the one-question poll below or email us at  [email protected]  with your suggestions. Thank you!

Upcoming Conferences

ASDC Conference • June 27-29

Our annual conference is coming up! Join us in Delaware for this fun, family-friend event that includes a kids program for ages 1-14.

Early bird pricing ends March 30.

Get conference details.

EHDI Conference • March 3-5

ASDC is hosting a vendor booth at the 2019 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference in Chicago, IL.

Stop by and see us at Booth #14!

News Worth Sharing

ASL and Deaf Issues in the News



We Love Our Donors!

ASDC relies on members and donors like you to provide programs and support to families who use American Sign Language. This month, we're sending out a heartfelt thanks to our recent donors:

ASDC Printable Wall Calendar