Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource

Closed captioning took well over 30 years to appear after the onset of television programming. With laws now in place to mandate closed captioning for all new video programming, Deaf and hard of hearing consumers may finally make the most of watching television. However, captions benefit more than just the deaf — second language viewers, elderly with hearing issues, children learning to read, and really anyone watching a movie or show with audio that may be unclear at times (like characters speaking quickly or excitedly or with an accent) or when watching in a loud environment.

Should a hearing person approach an unfamiliar deaf person in public and try signing? Read the article to learn about social cues and keeping common courtesies in mind.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include signs used when beginning to sign and having conversations: (1) Please vs. Sorry, (2) Please vs. Enjoy, (3) Understand vs. Don't Understand, (4) Know vs. Don't Know, (5) Help Me vs. Help You, (6) Friend vs. Good Friend, (7) Learn vs. Student, and (8) Teach vs. Teacher

ASL fingerspelling has interesting historical roots. Read the article to learn about the history behind the hand shapes.

Classifications are used to categorize deafness based on WHEN someone becomes deaf. Read the article to learn the terminology for these classifications.

This article is part of our “Signs That Are Close... But Not the Same” series, which highlights signs that look similar, but have different meanings. The signs discussed in this article include calendar signs: (1) Day vs. Today, (2) Tomorrow vs. Yesterday, (3) Born vs. Birthday , (4) Days of the Week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, (5) Thursday vs. High School, (6) Sunday vs. Wonderful, (7) AM vs. PM, (8) Noon vs. Midnight, and (9) Afternoon vs. Night

Check out these important beginning guidelines for learning to fingerspell... and know that practice is the key.

There are several causes of deafness. Read the article to learn about specific causes.

It is important to be consistent with your posture and hand placement to create the best signing space when fingerspelling. Check out these useful tips for best results.