Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) in

American Sign Language (ASL)

Providing Deaf students with AEM in ASL embraces Deaf culture and recognizes ASL as direct access to language. This approach values their identity and ensures they have the tools they need to succeed.

Mission of the project

Ensure equitable and timely access to AEM in ASL for deaf students by establishing a comprehensive and collaborative system for the creation, curation, and distribution of resources.

Examples of AEM in ASL

Text-to-ASL (TTASL)

DCMP ASL Pop-Up Player

Deaf-Centric Curriculum

ASL Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (CIA)

ASL-Enriched Lesson Plans

Texas School for the Deaf Statewide Outreach Center

Policy Recommendations

Establish a Census

A nationwide census to identify the number of deaf individuals who require AEM in ASL. This data will help determine the annual need for these materials and guide resource allocation.

Create a National Database

Develop a centralized database to curate, maintain, and distribute AEM in ASL, including Text-to-ASL (TTASL), to eligible recipients. This system would ensure consistent and timely access to educational resources.

State-Level Collaboration

Require each state to designate an agency to collaborate with a national database, ensuring timely procurement and distribution of AEM in ASL, including Text-to-ASL (TTASL), based on the local educational agency request.

Train Qualified Professionals

Identify and train qualified individuals both within and outside schools to create AEM in ASL, including Text-to-ASL.

Take Action Now!

Everyone Can Help

Watch media with ASL (e.g., Sign Up Media, DCMP, Max, PBS).
Encourage production companies and publishers to create more mainstream media with ASL accessibility.
Register to vote and advocate for representatives to support Accessible Educational Materials (AEM) in ASL.
Share the Accessible Educational Materials: Text-to-ASL (TTASL) Policy Brief to spread awareness and drive change.

Educational Agencies

Train staff to evaluate whether Deaf students would benefit from AEM in ASL, and provide guidance on how to obtain or create these materials.
Conduct action research in classrooms to assess the impact of offering AEM in ASL and contribute valuable data to the growing body of research.
Advocate for local education authorities (LEAs) to prioritize the creation and procurement of AEM in ASL for students who need it.

Questions?

Contact Cara Wilmot, n00109679@unf.edu, to get more information on this project

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