Posted on Feb 09, 2026 by paul
One of the first surprises for ASL learners is realizing that there isn’t always just one “correct” sign for an English word. You might learn a sign in class, see a different version online, and then watch a Deaf signer use another one entirely — and suddenly wonder, “Wait… which one is right?” The short answer? They all might be. […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 06, 2026 by paul
If you’ve ever watched someone sign in American Sign Language (ASL) with the sound turned off, you might have noticed something surprising:you start to understand more, not less. This isn’t accidental. In fact, removing sound can actually help your brain learn ASL faster and more accurately. Let’s talk about why. 1. Your Brain Stops Leaning on English When […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 05, 2026 by paul
When learning American Sign Language (ASL), many students assume success comes from memorizing vocabulary lists—sign after sign, word after word. While memorization may feel productive at first, it’s repetition that truly builds fluency. ASL is not a written language. It’s a visual, spatial, and movement-based language. That difference changes how the brain learns best. ASL Lives in the Body, […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 04, 2026 by paul
How Long Does It Really Take to Learn ASL? One of the most common questions people ask is: “How long does it take to learn American Sign Language?” The honest answer? It depends — but probably longer than you think (and that’s okay). Let’s break it down in a realistic, encouraging way. ASL Is a Language — Not […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 03, 2026 by paul
Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is exciting, empowering, and a whole lot of fun. But like learning any new language, beginners often make a few predictable mistakes along the way. The good news? These mistakes are completely normal — and very fixable. Here are five of the most common ASL beginner mistakes and simple ways to correct them so […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 02, 2026 by paul
If you’re new to American Sign Language (ASL), fingerspelling can feel overwhelming at first.The alphabet is fast. The handshapes blur together. And suddenly every name, place, and unfamiliar word feels impossible to catch. If that’s you — take a breath. You’re not alone. And more importantly, this is completely normal. Why Fingerspelling Feels So Difficult in […]
Read MorePosted on Feb 01, 2026 by paul
Andrew Foster was a Deaf African American educator whose work changed the lives of thousands of Deaf people around the world. Born in 1925 in Alabama, Foster lost his hearing as a child due to spinal meningitis. At a time when opportunities for both Black Americans and Deaf individuals were extremely limited, Foster faced discrimination […]
Read MorePosted on Jan 30, 2026 by paul
One of the biggest misconceptions about American Sign Language (ASL) is the idea that it is simply “English on the hands.” It’s an easy assumption to make—especially for beginners—because ASL often uses English words as labels. But make no mistake: ASL is not English.It is a fully independent language with its own grammar, structure, and […]
Read MorePosted on Jan 29, 2026 by paul
One of the biggest misconceptions about American Sign Language (ASL) is the idea that it’s simply English signed.That ASL is just English words placed on the hands. It’s not. And understanding why that matters is essential for anyone learning ASL—or teaching it. ASL Is a Language, Not a Code ASL is a fully developed, natural language with its own: Just […]
Read MorePosted on Jan 28, 2026 by paul
When people walk through an animal shelter, they often look for the dog that runs to the gate, barks excitedly, or responds immediately to sound. Too often, this means one group of dogs is quietly left behind: Deaf dogs. Deaf dogs are frequently misunderstood, overlooked, and sadly, euthanized at higher rates—not because they are difficult or […]
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