Deaf Studies

For help finding, evaluating, and using web-based resources, please see the following guides and tutorials:

• Evaluating Sources
• Evaluating Websites
• Scholarly vs. Popular Sources
• Expand or Narrow Your Search
• Using Google Scholar

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Information Clearinghouse
  The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is one of the institutes and centers that comprise the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The NIH is the federal government's focal point for the support of biomedical research. Established in 1988, the NIDCD is mandated to conduct and support biomedical and behavioral research and research training in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language.

• Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
  The Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University is a federally funded center with exemplary elementary and secondary education programs for deaf and hard of hearing students and is tasked with developing and disseminating innovative curricula, instructional techniques, and products nationwide while providing information, training, and technical assistance for parents and professionals to meet the needs of deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21.

• Gallaudet University
  Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of deaf and hard of hearing individuals through American Sign Language (ASL) and English.

• The Deaf Resource Library
  The Deaf Resource Library is a virtual library -- an online collection of reference material and links intended to educate and inform people about Deaf cultures in Japan and the United States; as well as deaf and hard of hearing related topics.

American Sign Language

• Signing Savvy: ASL Sign Language Video Dictionary
  A sign language dictionary containing several thousand high resolution videos of American Sign Language (ASL) signs, fingerspelled words, and other common signs used within the United States and Canada.
• American Sign Language University: LifePrint
  ASLU is an online American Sign Language curriculum resource center.  ASLU provides many free self-study materials, lessons, and information as well as formal tuition-based courses. (About ASL University)
• American Sign Language Dictionary
  Search and compare thousands of words and phrases in American Sign Language (ASL). The largest collection online. (About)
• HandSpeak
  Created in 1995, HandSpeak® is a sign language and Deaf culture resource for college students and learners, language and culture enthusiasts, interpreters, homeschoolers, parents, and professionals across North America for language learning, practice and self-study. (About)
• DPAN: The Sign Language Channel
  D-PAN.tv (The Sign Language Channel) was formed for a singular, essential purpose: To make quality news and information accessible to both the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and it’s supporters. At present, there are nearly 30 million Deaf/ Hard of Hearing people living in the United States who, despite their pronounced interest, have been largely excluded from meaningful access to news and information. (Our Mission)

Deaf Culture 

• Deaf Nation
  This annual conference is free to attend and focuses on sharing information about the needs, culture, history, and language(s) of the deaf and hard of hearing communities.

Organizations

• Hands & Voices
  Hands & Voices is a parent-driven organization that supports families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing without a bias around communication modes or methodology. (About H&V, Mission)
• National Theatre of the Deaf
  Founded in 1967, NTD has a long and rich history as a national and international performing arts organization. NTD pioneered a dual language theatre concept, creating a hybrid of American Sign Language with spoken English that has been seen in all fifty states in the U.S., in thirty-three countries, and on all seven continents throughout the world. (About Us)

ASL and Interpreter Certifications 

• American Sign Language Teachers Association Certification 

  ASLTA certification is for people who teach ASL: The public or private K-16 system, Schools for the Deaf, ASL lab tutoring centers (ASLTA Certification FAQs)

• American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI)
  The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is a holistic language evaluation used to determine global ASL proficiency. The basic precept in this type of evaluation is to find out through a face-to-face interview what an individual can do with the target language at a given point in time. The ASLPI is a 20-25 minute video recorded interactive dialogue between the examinee and the interviewer. The interview is rated by a team of evaluators and examinees are awarded an overall proficiency level on a 0-5 rating scale. (What is ASLPI?)

• National Interpreter Certification (NIC)
  Holders of this certification have demonstrated general knowledge in the field of interpreting, ethical decision making and interpreting skills. Candidates earn NIC Certification if they demonstrate professional knowledge and skills that meet or exceed the minimum professional standards necessary to perform in a broad range of interpretation and transliteration assignments. (NIC: Certification)

• Certified Deaf Interpreter Certification (CDI)
  Holders of this certification are deaf or hard of hearing and have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of interpreting,  deafness, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. Holders have specialized training and/or experience in the use of gesture, mime, props, drawings and other tools to enhance communication. Holders possess native or near-native fluency in American Sign Language and are recommended for a broad range of assignments where an interpreter who is deaf or hard-of-hearing would be beneficial. (CDI Certification)

• Educational Interpreter Performance Assessment Training Center (EPI)
  EIPA Workshops are designed for interpreters working in a K-12 educational setting. Content and activities will reflect educational settings; however, interpreters working in any setting may participate. (FAQ)