Tips on How Colleagues Can Practice ASL Together

• Start with a Daily Sign
  Choose a “Sign of the Day” and use it throughout the day. Post it on a whiteboard, Slack, or in a shared email. Encourage everyone to use it in conversation at least once.
• Create Mini Sign Challenges
  Have weekly themes (e.g., food, emotions, work terms). Challenge each other to sign specific vocabulary or short sentences. Give small prizes or shout-outs for participation!
• ASL Lunch or Coffee Breaks
  Set aside 15–30 minutes during lunch or break where only ASL is used. Encourage fingerspelling names of foods or using signs to talk about the weekend.
• Watch & Learn Together
  Pick short ASL videos or Deaf vlogs and watch together. Pause and review vocabulary as a group. Use ASLdeafined.com or YouTube channels like “Sign Duo” or “ASL That” for content.
• Act It Out – Roleplay Scenarios
  Take common workplace situations (greeting a visitor, making coffee, asking for help) and act them out in ASL. Switch roles and encourage expressive signing and correct grammar.
• Use ASL in Everyday Interactions
  Greet each other in ASL. Fingerspell names or departments instead of saying them out loud. Use directional verbs to sign who is going where.
• Host a Monthly “Silent Hour”
  Pick one hour where everyone uses ASL only (or gestures/fingerspelling). Great way to build awareness, creativity, and language stamina.
• Share Learning Resources
  Exchange flashcards, ASL apps, and websites like ASLdeafined.com. Create a shared Google Doc of helpful signs, tips, or new words learned.
• Buddy System
  Pair up and commit to practicing with each other weekly. Set mini-goals, like mastering 10 new signs or holding a 2-minute conversation.
• Celebrate Progress
  Recognize efforts, no matter how small. Celebrate “firsts” – first sentence, first conversation, etc. Keep the atmosphere encouraging, supportive, and fun.