Father and son smiling while signing to each other on a couch.

The Crow’s Nest

A collection of free tools to support your ASL learning, professional growth, and connection to the deaf and signing community. Check back often to discover new resources!

LEARN ASL

ASL Connect: ASL by Topic

  • Learning Notes: Gallaudet is the world's premier university for the deaf and signing community. Their free topical library is fantastic for specific vocabulary for beginners who want practical, everyday signs.

  • Pro Tip: If the signs feel too fast, you can click the "Settings" gear icon on the video player to slow the playback speed to 0.75x or 0.5x.

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ASL University (Lifeprint)

  • Learning Notes: This is the ultimate self-study encyclopedia. Dr. Bill Vicars offers a full college-level curriculum for free, including a massive dictionary and lessons ranging from basic signs to complex grammar.

  • Pro Tip: Watch the one-on-one videos where Dr. Vicars teaches a real student. This helps you see common mistakes and how to correct them in a low-pressure way.

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DEAF CULTURE & ADVOCACY

National Deaf Center (NDC) Online Learning

  • Learning Notes: This is a one-stop-shop for both and deaf culture and professional development. A massive library of free, self-paced modules on everything from deaf culture to professional advocacy.

  • Pro Tip: Look for the Badge icon on their courses. Completing these modules earns you a Digital Badge that represents 1 Clock Hour of study—a great way to show your progress on a resume or LinkedIn profile!

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LinkedIn Learning

  • Learning Notes: Thousands of professional courses on business, tech, and creative skills. Almost every course has high-quality captioning and transcripts. Check your local library’s website; many offer full access to LinkedIn Learning for free with your library card!

  • Pro Tip: If your local library doesn't offer it, sometimes neighboring counties or state-wide library systems allow you to sign up for a digital card that does!

PARENTS & TEACHERS

History Through Deaf Eyes

  • Learning Notes: This digital exhibition from the National Deaf Life Museum offers a deep dive into the history of the deaf community in the United States.

  • Pro Tip: This is a deeply immersive experience. Try exploring one section at a time to truly soak in the history!

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Deafverse

  • Learning Notes: An interactive "choose your own adventure" game that puts players in real-world scenarios. It’s designed to build self-advocacy skills and confidence for deaf and hard-of-hearing youth.

  • Pro Tip: Because this involves navigating various social choices and consequences, use it as a conversation starter. Ask your student or child why they chose a certain path and discuss how those choices might play out in their own daily lives.

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ASL Stories for Children

  • Learning Notes: A vibrant collection of classic and original stories in American Sign Language. This is a fantastic resource for modeling expressive storytelling and expanding a child's visual vocabulary in a natural way.

  • Pro Tip: Watch these stories together! Pause the video to practice specific signs or facial expressions with your child, helping them connect the movement to the meaning of the story.

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Sign Up for Classes!

Mastery Note: Self-study is a powerful first step! If you're an absolute beginner, our 1-on-1 sessions are a great way to ensure you're starting with the right habits. I love working with brand-new learners to help you feel confident and comfortable right from day one.