American Sign Language
- language used by the deaf
- consists of hand signs, body movements, facial expression, and gestures
- a complete language with it own grammar and syntax
- no written form
- provides immediate and complete access to language
Special note: People that use ASL usually consider themselves culturally Deaf(with capital D). They consider ASL their firs language and not English. The Deaf community’s culture has its own norms, art, history, language (ASL), and humor. These students learn English as a second language.
Web Resources
Auditory Options
- (Auditory Oral/ Auditory Verbal)
- combines lipreading and hearing
- using hearing aids and cochlear implants
- can help children develop speech and English-language skills
Web Resources
Cued English
- uses hand shapes in various locations combined with natural mouth movements
- visual representation of English
- can help children develop English-language skills
Web Resources
Signed Exact English/Signed English
- signs represent words or phrases in English
- can help with spoken and written English
- sometimes serves as bridge between ASL and English
More explanations of the various options
***Keep in mind, the key to choosing a modality for communication is finding a method that provides the child consistent and complete access to language.***