Learning Sign Language: Media Resources
The purpose of this list is to provide information of media resources available
to learn sign language. Part I lists videotapes
and audiocassettes including a listing of special interest: Part
II lists computer programs. Part III
lists complete address for companies and publishers. These programs
represent a variety of different sign systems at a beginning level.
Basic types of manual communication:
American Sign Language (ASL) Referred as American Sign Language, or
ASL. ASL is a visual/gesture language with vocabulary, grammar, idioms, and
syntax different from English. ASL is the language of the American and Canadian
deaf communities.
Signs in English Word order The process of signing in English word order
has generated several names including "Pidgin Sign English" (PSE),
and "contact sign." This kind of signing, which developed naturally
out of the desire for hearing and deaf people to communicate with each other
and incorporate features of ASL and English. Because it is neither ASL nor English,
signing in English word order can reflect different forms, sometimes being more
like ASL, other times being more like English. When signing in English word
order, some users may use signs only when they know a sign of ASL that translates
the English word and finger spell the word if uncertain of the ASL sign.
Signing Exact English (SEE) SEE is a sign system modeled after the English
Language, using exact sentence structure, idiom verb endings. SEE is a visual
form of English. This list attempts to be comprehensive as of its publication
date. Inclusion or omission of a title does not constitute an endorsement or
other judgement by the compilers or Deaf Education Network and Clearinghouse.
As this list is compiled chiefly from various sources, information is subject
to change and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Additional listing and corrections
will be welcomed for the next update of this listing.
Part I: Video Tapes and
Audiocassettes
Alphabets around the world
2 video cassette series.
Provides a sample of various manual alphabets used in selected countries around
the world dispelling the myth that sign language is universal. Twenty-four countries
sign languages displaying the ABC's , colors and numbers is represented.
1991: Sign Media Inc.
Ameslan
A series of eight cassettes tapes, (60 minute each) and book.
Lou Fant gives a clear spoken presentation about Ameslan (ASL), discussing themes
such as Ameslan/ASL as a valid language to that of English, emphasis the difference
of grammatical and syntax usage, and discusses briefly of deaf culture. He explains
various manual communications used by the deaf community, SEE, Amerslan (ASL)
and Manual coded English (Pidgen Sign language). A written book is to be used
with the tape. Great for a hearing blind person, or a hearing person who needs
auditory cues to learn sign language.
1972: Joyce Media.
American Sign Language: ABC stories
1 videotape , 62 minutes.
Deaf people presenting "sign play" stories using the letter of the
manual alphabet order to tell a story.
1992: Sign Media Inc.
American Sign Language Basic for hearing parents of Deaf Children
1 book and 2 videotapes.
This set introduces hearing parents to ASL, encouraging them to communicate
immediately to deaf/hard of hearing child. A closed captioned videotape
illustrated introductory concepts, provides visual examples to follow.
The 2nd videotape demonstrates many of practice exercises.
This set can benefit teachers who need a basic introduction to communicate
with deaf children. 1995: Butte Publications.
American Sign Language Phrase Book Series
Set of 3 videotapes- 60 minutes each.
Learn to converse in ASL phrases, expressions, sentence and questions, which
come up in everyday conversation.
1994: Sign Media, Inc.
An Intellectual Look At American Sign Language/Legacy Signs
Book and Videotape, each sold separately.
Video entitled "Beginning Vocabulary #1".
Separate book includes Spanish edition. Video contains 110 commonly used signs
related to topics of food, animals, things and object in the home and outdoors.
Kodiak Media Group.
ASL across America
12 videotapes-VHS.
Use of sign with voice. The participant in the video presents regional sign
personal, with sharing of school experiences, education of deaf children, and
deaf clubs.
1992: Sign Media.
An introduction to American deaf culture
Set of 5 videotapes, 60 minutes each.
Illustrates system of rules for social interaction that is followed by members
of the deaf community. For example, rules of social interaction, values, group
norms, identity, and language traditions.
1993: Sign Media.
ASL Literature Series
1 videotape, and 1 student workbook.
A series intended specifically to provide ASL literature for person learning
ASL and deaf culture. One program has been released "Bird of a different
feather." (Ben Behan) & "For a decent living." (SamSupalla)
The student video and workbook, narratives are divided into structural units;
topic units, chapters and parts. Can be use inside or outside the classroom.
1992: Dawn Pictures.
ASL Numbers: Developing your skill
3 Videotapes, 60 minutes each.
Teaches the proper use of numbers in American Sign Language.
1989: Sign Media.
ASL Sampler
1 videotape.
Includes seven samples taken from the Sign to voice interpreting series
and from Deaf Children Signers: 10 year old storyteller. The language
used ranges from straight ASL to PSE with mouthing; the models range from
a child to senior members of the deaf community.
Sign Enhancers
Basic Sign Communication
6 videotapes.
1985: Signed and captioned, this basic sign communication curriculum is
published and distributed by the National Association of
the Deaf.
Basic Sign Language for Children
1 videotape.
This video is designed to teach children single word, especially good for developmentally
delayed children, preschoolers, parents and educational staff.
1988: See-Sign Productions.
Beginning American Sign Language Videocourse
16 videotapes.
This video providers lessons of basic of American Sign Language, with the scenario
of the 'Bravo family'.
1992: Sign Enhancers, Inc.
Beginning Level-Signing Exact English
4 videotapes with workbook.
There are 14 lessons with 50-vocabulary and practice sentence in each lesson.
Words and sentences are presented twice allowing time for observation and practice.
Signs with voice.
1984: Modern Signs Press, Inc.
Communicating with the hearing impaired: An introductory course in American
sign Language
1 Videotape- 38 minutes.
This program provides an understanding of the nature of American Sign Language
and sufficient vocabulary to permit reasonable communication with the Deaf and
hard-of-hearing. The program covers finger spelling, numbers, common phrases,
and specialized signs.
1989: Films for the Humanities
Communicating with the hearing impaired patient: An interactive course in
American Sign Language
For health care providers, to give them a basic sign vocabulary for use with
deaf patients. Includes a reference manual, teacher's guide, and a sign language
textbook.
1991: Films for the Humanities
Conversational Sign Language
1 videotape
Use of both sign language and spoken English to teach sign language at a beginner
level.
1988: Multi-Media
Deaf Children Signers
3 separate videos
Short stories in sign, each is followed by two model voice interpretations,
Intended for sign to voice interpretation practice, for practice in receptive
signs with children, and a good sign language model for deaf children.
1991: Sign Enhancers
The Face of ASL
4 videotapes in series.
This video shows an important role in ASL, displaying grammatical information
through rule-governed movements of the upper face, head, and compelling meaning
through a variety of lower facial behaviors. Each tape contains descriptions
and demonstrations of facial behavior in context and practice exercises for
viewers to check comprehension and production. Each part is available separately
or in a set.
1991: Sign Media Inc.
Fingerspelling: Expressive & Receptive Fluency
1 videotape with a 24 page instructional booklet-120 minutes.
Joyce Linden Groode presents concepts for assisting in the recognition, understanding,
and expression of finger spelling terms, such as word shapes, closure, and context.
This video is designed to increase expressive and receptive finger spelling
skills.
1992: Dawn Sign Press.
Finger spelling Practice Tapes
4 videotapes - 43 minutes.
Series of tapes provides the user with finger spelling practice from different
angles and speed. Each tape focuses on topic on a different area, using both
male and female models, and left and right hand dominant individuals.
1991: Sign Media Inc.
From Mime to Sign
3 videotapes
Videotape in conjunction to the book, From Mime to Sign. by Gil Eastman. Emphasizes
natural gestures, mime and facial expression as the foundation for sign language.
Does not formally teach signs, but rather develops the individual's nonverbal
communication skills, with the results of improved skills in nonverbal communication,
improved attitudes about learning sign language, and motivating the student
for more instruction and materials.
1989: T. J. Publishers.
The Interax sign language video course
6 videos course -5 hours total - 6 VHS videotapes.
A quality video series of the signs and introductory concepts of American
Sign Language (ASL). Divided into 57 subject related lessons A Quick Quiz
at the end of each lesson lets you check your sign language comprehension,
giving you confidence to move forward. Upon completion of the course you
will have learned more than 1200 signs of American Sign Language (ASL).
This will give you the ability to communicate effectively with the deaf.
1989: Interax Video Sign Language Course.
KidSign
3 Videotapes-30 minutes each.
An instructional video designed to teach hearing children of all ages
sign language. A signing 'stuffed teddy bear' teaches basic signs to children.
The bear introduces the sign and models them in a sentence.
Heartsong Communications
Learning American Sign Language
1 videotape - 98 minutes.
Presents 72 conversation and hundreds of key sentences for conversation to help
to acquire signing technique needed in everyday signing situations.
1992; Prentince Hall.
Linguistics of American Sign Language
1 videotape - 60 minutes-VHS.
Accompanies the book of the same title. Three deaf persons, Clayton Valli, Ceil
Bucas, and Val Dively present a brief introduction to American Sign Language
through a linguistics-based approach.
1992: Gallaudet Press
Numbers 1-10
1 videocassette- 21minutes.
Use of number recognition and counting in eight short segments using music,
animation, puppets.
1997: School Zone Publishing Company.
One, two buckle your shoe.
3 videocassettes- 89 minutes.
Deaf teacher Bob Alcorn instructs on the numbering systems in ASL with
a voice-over. Various systems are introduced, the rules for that system
are explained, and signed samples follow. 1994: Sign
Enhancers
Parent Sign Series
A complete set of 10 1-hour videotapes.
Learn the signs that 'fits your needs', and help you communicate quickly with
your deaf child. Good for parents to use at home or in outside situations. Example
programs are "The Dentist's office", "The Grocery Store",
"Dinner at home".
1988: Sign Media
Practice Videotape for Sign Language Made Simple
1 Videotape- 120 minutes.
Accompanies Edgar D. Lawrence's book 1975 book, Sign Language Made Simple.
May be purchased separately or with the book included. Approximately 600
sentences (1500 signs) are presented for signing practice while following the
book. Signs are presented in PSE, using ASL in English word order.
1990: Sign Language Interpreting Inc.
Read with me.
A videotape series starting with beginning level of sign language
Title on container "Sharing the joy of storytelling with young deaf toddler",
this videotape offers hearing parents the opportunity to learn simple signs
in ASL.
1996: Boys Town
Reading to deaf children: Learning from Deaf Adults
1 Videotape 59 minutes.
Fifteen Principals acts as a guide for parents and teachers to learn how
to read to deaf children. 1997: Laurent
Clerc National Deaf Education Center (Previously Pre College Mission
programs)
- Sign and ABC's: A new way to play
1 videocassette - 50 minutes.
The video teaches new signs and the alphabet through finger-spelling,
spoken and written English.
1997: Aylmer Press
Signing Time!
My First Signs - Vol.1 videotape or DVD, Playtime Signs - Vol.2
videotape or DVD, Everyday Signs - Vol.3 videotape or DVD, and Signing
Time Music Vol. 1-3 CD
Cousins Alex Brown (who can hear) and Leah Coleman (who is deaf) invite
children of all ages to "Come sign with us!"
Signing Time!
Sign Language Crash Course
1 videotape and 1 book.
Illustrates exercises from the book of the same title. Continuing information
from 'Crash Course' General 1. Purpose of course to introduce both ASL and Sign
English. Models in Video are deaf, and from Deaf families.
1994: SignQuest Publisher
Sign Language for Kids: Everyday Words and Phrases
Join Sign Language interpreter Ronni Stark and seven of her young friends as
they enjoy a day filled with Sign Language. Learn over seventy useful words
and phrases in American Sign Language while watching this delightfully entertaining
video.
1996: Lily's World
Sign Language for Kids: The Alphabet
1 video 25 minutes.
The Alphabet is a fun and entertaining video that teaches kids how to
sign the alphabet. The video includes playful guessing games, the alphabet
song, and spellings of everyday words. 1996: Lily's World.
Sign With Me: A Family Sign Language Curriculum (ASL version)
2 videotapes, 1 parent workbook-2 volumes.
For parents of very young deaf children, wishing to learn signs along with their
child.
1993: Center for Hearing Loss in Children, Boys Town National
Research Hospital.
Sign with your baby: How to communicate with infants before they can speak
1video 60 minutes, closed captioned.
This is a reference guide to communicate with your baby using hands and signs.
A good tool for caregivers of deaf and hearing babies.
1999: Harris Communication.
Signing Naturally
5 videotapes, 1 hour each; Levels 1 and 2
Five units are released, three for teachers and two for students. Teacher's
texts outline curriculum plan, lessons, and activities and support materials.
In addition videotapes helps teacher present awareness of Deaf culture, norms
and behaviors. Student's texts include practice in sequencing, conclusion drawing,
summarizing and answering short questions and fill-ins with an answer key.
1988 and 1992: Dawn Sign Press
Silent Sounds of Music
1 Videotape 30 minutes.
The story of ASL and its structure as a visual language is described. The alphabet,
basic vocabulary, key sentences for conservation is presented. In addition,
presentations of songs are included. Includes both spoken and sign languages.
1995: Superior Home Video.
Sing 'n Sign For Fun!
1 Video, 42 min.
VHS music videosigned, voiced, and open captioned. Features Gaia and lively,
multi-cultural group of deaf and hearing children (ranging in ages from
3-13) performing 7 upbeat songs with sign language plus the manual alphabet.
A friendly sign-teaching segment precedes each song and an insert of lyrics
and sign translations is included.
1996: Heartsong Communications.
Sports Sign Series
4 videotape, 30 minutes each.
An ongoing series of instructional and informational videotapes for use by deaf
students, coaches, sign language instructors, and interpreters. Each tape focuses
on a different sport, and includes brief signed history of the game, a signed
overview of the game's rules, and the sign vocabulary used in the fame. Each
vocabulary item is identified by an English gloss. Sports covered included "Basketball",
Baseball", Volleyball" and "Soccer".
1991: Sign Media
Part II: Computer Programs
ABC's of American Sign Language: Fingerspelling
Use with 8 MB RAM/ Windows 95 A series of lesson on CD-ROM, that contains
over 100 signs in ASL and English, and assist to improve receptive fingerspelling
skills. Can be used in a group or classroom setting. ADCO
Hearing Products
American Sign Language for Kids
Use with windows/Mac, A signing dog leads children age three years
and older to teach signs such as action, animal words, and facial expressions.
Multimedia 2000
American Sign Language
Mac (68020 or greater recommended), with 3 MB free RAM and MB free hard
disk space (4 MB for Power Mac) This program is set up as a lesson format,
and presents over 600 ASL signs, including letter of the alphabet, sentences,
and numbers. Bowling Green Press, Inc.
American Sign Language Dictionary on CD-ROM
Based on Martin Sternberg's The American Sign Language Dictionary, which is
included. Offers 2200 signs for words and phrases using a multimedia approach
(text, illustrations, audio and video) five areas are offered in the first menu
screen: Dictionary, skills, Finger-spelling, ASL overview and guided tour. "Dictionary"
allows searching for signs by typing in a few letters browsing an A-Z list or
browsing categories. Selecting a word puts on the screen a pronunciation guide,
a description of how the sign is made, a line drawing of the signs, and a hint
to help remember the sign. A voice can be used along with the sign to describe
how to make the sign. "Skills allows testing recognition skills by reviewing
signs or playing a concentration-style game. "Finger-spelling" teaches
the manual alphabet and also includes a finger spelling recognition game. "ASL
Overview" provides a brief history of the language and some hints for learning
it, as well as a bibliography and lists of services and devices for deaf people,
including a resource listing. "Guided tour" is a tutorial is a tutorial
on how to use this CD-ROM.
Harris Communications
HyperSign: An interactive dictionary of American Sign Language
Includes 3 installation disks. Compatible with Macintosh, or Windows PC.
This program is design for instructional text in English or Spanish. Provides
access at 3 levels: adult dictionary of 2,000 signs, a teen dictionary,
and child's dictionary, which is designed for nonreaders and pre-readers.
See ASL in full motion video. 1997: Trinity Software.
Interactive Sign Language 101 Basic Signs
Computer Software, requires Windows 3.1 or later. Life like photographs
and moving animation of hands can build custom vocabulary for variety
of practice sessions. Control of signing speed on computer, learn and
practice at your own pace. This CD-ROM turns your computer into your personal
ASL tutor! It teaches you key ASL words and lets you set the pace. Aids
with basic sign language comprehension and fluency. SignMedia.
Personal Communicator
Power Macintosh compatible; 16 MB of RAM (32 MB or RAM or better suggested)
Windows 95, Contain an American Sign Language/English dictionary which
includes 2500 signs, allowing the user to develop language skills in ASL
and English. Communication Technology Lab, Michigan
State University
Sign Language for Everyone: An interactive guide to learning American Sign
Language.
Program in 14 lessons including vocabulary, grammar, origins of signs,
and use of facial expressions. 1998: Higher Learning
Systems.
Sign Link-Lexicon of ASL
Learn ASL with this CD ROM with clip of 1,000 most common signs. This
program will allow you to view and imitate deaf signers sharpening not
only your production but also your reception skills of the language. Perfect
for beginners. Signmedia
Subtle Messages
3 CD ROM disks for Window 3.1 or better- A "multimedia"
program that presents a non-manual grammatical markers used in ASL in
four lessons, each 20-30 minutes long. The lessons cover question forms,
conditionals, assertion and negation. Over 700 brief video clips are included.
Subtle Impact Software
Part III: Address
ADCO Hearing Products
5661 So. Curtice St.
Littleton, CO 80120
V/T (800) 726-8051
V/T (303) 794-3928
FAX (303) 794-3704
sales@adcohearing.com
www.adcohearing.com
ASL Access
4217 Adrienne Drive
Alexandria, VA. 22309
V (703) 799-8733
T (703) 799-4896
www.aslaccess.org
ASLAccess@aol.com
Aylmer Press
Box 2735
Madison, WI 53701
(608)251-0890
1-888-SIGNIT2
www.signit2.com/
steve@signit2.com
Bill Rice Ranch Films
627 Bill Rice Ranch Road
Murfreesboro, TN 37128
(800) 253-RICE
http://www.billriceranch.org/
BillRiceRanch@att.net
Bowling Green Press, Inc.
P.O. Box 582
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Boys Town Press
14100 Crawford Street
Boys Town, NE 68010
(800) 282-6657
Fax- 1-402-498-1301
www.boystown.org
Butte Publications
P.O. Box 1328
Hillsboro, OR 97123
V/T 800 330-9791
FAX (503)-693-9526
www.buttepublications.com/
service@buttepublications.com
Captioned Media Programs
National Association for the Deaf
1447 East Main Street
Spartanburg, SC 29307
V-1-(800)-237-6217
T-1-(800) 237-6819
FAX- 1 800 538-5636
www.CFV.org
Info@cfu.org
The Center for Sutton Movement Writing
P.O. Box 517
La Jolla, CA 92038-0517
V-858-456-0098
Fax-456-0020
www.signwriting.org/
Dac@signwriting.org
Communication Technology Lab
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1042
(517) 353-9229
Communications Unlimited
9618 Oregano Circle
Houston, TX 77036
V/T (713) 271-7818
FAX: (713) 271-8709
Info@communltd.com
Dawn Sign Press
6130 Nancy Ridge Drive
San Diego, CA 92121-3223
V/TTY-(858)-625-0600
FAX-(858) 625-2336
www.dawnsignpress.com/
comments@dawnsign.com
Deaf Connection, Inc.
330 Hawthorne Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32962
V 561-564-0737
FAX 561-564-0738
www.signlanguagemadesimple.com
Films for the Humanities & Sciences
P.O. Box 2053
Princeton, NJ 08543-2053
V- 1800-257-5126
FAX- 609-275-3765
www.films.com/
Gallaudet University Press
800 Florida Ave. NE
Washington DC 20002
V/TTY-202 651-5488
FAX -202.651-5489
http://gupress.gallaudet.edu
david.gunton@gallaudet.edu
Harris Communication
15159 Technology Drive
Eden Praire, MN
55344 -2277
V (800)-825-6758
T (800)-825-9187
FAX- (800)-211-4360
mail@harriscomm
www.harriscomm.com
Heartland Ministries
P.O. Box 14196
Arlington, TX 76094
T/V (817) 861-9421
http://home.att.net/~markmitchum/
MarkMitchum@att.net
Heartsong Communications
P.O. Box 2455
Glenview, IL 60025
V (800) 484-8041 ext. 0800
FAX: (847) 324-2336
http://members.aol.com/gaiasign
hrtsngComm@aol.com
Higher Learning Systems
1616 Post Road, Suite 3339
Fairfield, CT 06430
(203) 254-9531 Email:
support@higherlearning.com
www.higherlearning.com/
HOPE, INC
1856 North 1200 E.
North Logan, UT 84341
V/TTY (435) 245-2888
www.hopepubl.com/
Imaginary Art Products
307 Arizona Street
Bisbee, AZ 85603
1-800- 828-1376
imaginart@compuserve.com
Institute for Disabilities, Research, and Training, Inc.
(IDRT)
2424 University Blvd West
Silver Spring, MD 20902
FAX (301) 942-4326
www.idrt.com
idrtorder@aol.com
Interax Training Incorporated
P.O.Box 473106
Garland, TX 75047-3106
1-800-242-5583
www.signcourse.com/order.html
info@signcourse.com
Joy Enterprise
3800 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 1301
Arlington, VA 22203
V (703)- 528-4220
Joyce Media, Inc.
2654 Diamond St.
Rosamond, CA 93560;
(661) 256-0149
FAX-(661)269-2139
Kodiak Media Group
PO BOX 1029-KT40
Wilsonville, Oregon 97070
Lily's World Creative Video Productions
P.O. Box 11335
Boulder, CO 80301
V (303) 772-2277
FAX (303) 772-2399
Magic Lamp Production
1838 Washington Way,
Venice, CA 90291-4704
Phone: (800) 367-9661 outside California; (310) 822-2985
www.aslvideos.com
Modern Sign Press
P.O. Box 1181
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
V/T 562-596-8548
For orders: 1-800-572-7332
Multimedia 2000
2017 Eighth Avenue, 3rd Floor
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 622-5530
FAX (206) 622-4380
pr@m-2k.com
www.m-2k.com/
Multi-media Evangelism Inc
1335 Providence Road
Richmond, VA 23236
T/V 804-276-9083
Northlight Communications
1139 5th Avenue NE,
Seattle, WA 98125
V (206) 361-0307
www.sign2me.com
Potomac Technology
One Church Street, Suite 101
Rockville, MD 20850
V/T (800) 433-2838
FAX: (301) 762-1892
Prentice-Hall
200 Old Tappan Road
Old Tappan, NJ 07675
V 1800-922-0579
FAX- 1-800-445-6991
Random House Inc
400 Hahn Road
Westminster, MD 21157
V/T 1800-733-3000
FAX 1800-659-2436
www.ramdomhouse.com
School Zone Publishing
1819 Industrial Drive
Grand Haven, MI 49417
(800) 253-0564
www.schoolzone.com
See-Sign Productions
985 Wedge Dr.
Naples, Florida 34103
941 434-9382
FAX: (941) 434-9479
seesignpro@aol.com
Sign Enhancers Inc.
10568 SE Washington St
Portland, OR 97216-2809'
V 1800-767-4661
T 1888-283-5097
FAX-503-257-3013
Sign Language Interpreting, Inc.
330 Hawthorne Lane
Vero Beach, FL 32962-7338
(561) 564-0737
FAX: (561) 564-0738
reppert@nsu.acast.nova.edu
Sign Media
4020 Blackburn Lane
Burtonsville, MD 20866-1167
V/T 1800-475-4756
FAX 301-421-0270
www.signmedia.com
SignQuest
1489 Ronnie Street
Flint, MI 48507
FAX- 810-233-4855
www.massoud.org/sqp/
The Speech Bin
196 25 th Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32960
V 1800-477-3324
FAX 1888-329-2246
www.speechbin.com
info@speechbin.com
Subtle Impact Software, Inc.
7195 Sand Trap Drive
Colorado Springs CO 80925
(719) 382-54 37
FAX: (719) 382 55 09
subtle@usa.net
Superior Home Video
22159 N Pepper Rd. #9
Barrington, IL 60010
(800) 917-5400
( 847) 381-0909
FAX: (847) 381-1178
superior@ameritech.net
T.J. Publishers
817 Silver Spring Ave. Suite 206
Silver Spring, MD 20910
V/T (301) 585-4440
FAX (301)585-5930
TJPubinc@aol.com
Trinity Software
607 Tenney Mtn Highway
Suite 215
Plymouth NH 03264
(800) 352-1282
FAX: (603) 536 9951
trsoft@lr.net
www.trinitysoftware.com/
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