Initiatives

Projects That Impact Education

All of our projects focus on creating dynamic, intuitive resources and experiences for ASL-signing audiences in education, research, and assessment.

Research excellenCE award · with UConn

Advancing Educational Equity through Language Assessment and Statistical Modeling

The ASLA is a standardized language assessment designed to equitably evaluate a historically underserved population. This research effort engages a cross-disciplinary team to address two intersecting goals. First, we seek to establish norms, percentile scoring, and other enhanced applications of ASLA data that make assessment results more meaningful, interpretable, and actionable for educators, families, students, and schools. We also aim to reconceptualize statistical models to enhance understanding and findings from small datasets. Together, these efforts will strengthen the practical value and real-world utility of the ASLA while advancing scientific knowledge across many academic fields.


NSF-funded · with WPI

Improving Information Accessibility with Sign Language First Technology

With funding from the National Science Foundation, our team has engaged in foundational research into ASL-centric web designs that improve user experiences for ASL signers, in collaboration with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Computer Science program.


The goal: evaluate and develop Sign Language First (SL1) technologies that let ASL-signing users engage with online content easily, enjoyably, and effectively.

aslclear.org

ASL Clear: Developing an ASL STEM Visual Library

Members of our team launched ASL Clear in 2017. ASL Clear is an online ASL-centric app delivering contextualized STEM modules in ASL that include topical micro-lessons, vocabulary, and definitions. All materials are created by panels of Deaf subject matter experts who are native or heritage ASL-signers. The ASL Clear prototype also showcases an innovative platform and web design that allows users to navigate and search the site in either ASL or English.


This 10 year project was funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and sparked an NSF-funded study titled Improving Information Accessibility with Sign Language First Technology  in partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Laboratory glassware with colorful chemical models and safety goggles on a lab bench
Stem Education

Science Lab Videos

Hands-on science experiments and demonstrations presented in ASL for middle and high school students.

Students and teacher gathered around a globe in a classroom, pointing and smiling.
SOCIAL STUDIES

State History Series

U.S. and world history content translated into engaging ASL narrative videos for grade 6-12.

Children writing at a table in a library, surrounded by shelves of books
READING & WRITING

Literacy Program

ASL-English bilingual literacy resources supporting reading comprehension and writing development.

Presenter speaking to seated group in a bright meeting room, holding notes and smiling.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Teacher Training Series

Video courses for educators learning to teach Deaf students and integrate ASL into instruction.

Child and smiling adult at a library computer, with bookshelves in the background
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

Parent Resources

ASL resources helping parents support their Deaf children's education and homework at home.

Children gathered around a classroom abacus, working together with a teacher at a table
K-5 MATHEMATICS

Elementary Math Curriculum

Complete math curriculum in ASL aligned to Common Core standards, featuring Deaf teachers demonstrating concepts.

Three slide thumbnails: a presenter, purple 3D blocks, and a purple triangle graphic
Stem Education

ASL Clear

In 2017, members of our team launched ASL Clear, an online ASL-centric app delivering STEM modules in ASL that include mini-presentations, vocabulary, and definitions. ASL Clear's innovative web design makes it possible for users to navigate and search the site in ASL. All materials are created by panels of subject matter experts who are Deaf and native or heritage ASL-signers. Research and development of ASL Clear began in 2005 with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Three children smiling and raising hands at a classroom table with a laptop
RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY

Sign Language First

With funding from the National Science Foundation, our team is conducting foundational research into ASL-centric web designs that improve the user experiences for ASL-signers, in collaboration with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Computer Science program. The goal of this research is to evaluate and develop Sign Language First (SL1) technologies that allow ASL-signing users to engage with online materials and content easily, enjoyably, and effectively.

Let's Connect

We welcome partnerships with organizations committed to advancing ASL education and research.