Posted on Apr 29, 2025 by paul
1. Total Population with Hearing Loss However, this includes a wide range: 2. People Who Identify as Deaf or Seriously Hard of Hearing 3. Breakdown: Deaf vs. Hard of Hearing It’s important to distinguish: Group Estimate Notes Culturally Deaf (use ASL, strong Deaf identity) ~500,000 – 1,000,000 Use ASL as primary language Hard of Hearing (moderate-severe loss) ~10 million […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 28, 2025 by paul
The Story of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc: The Birth of American Sign Language and America’s First Deaf School In the early 1800s, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet was a young American minister from Connecticut who became deeply interested in Deaf education. His curiosity was sparked by a little Deaf girl named Alice Cogswell, the daughter of a neighbor. […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 27, 2025 by paul
Feature VRS (Video Relay Service) VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) Purpose Facilitates phone calls between a Deaf person and a hearing person using a sign language interpreter. Provides on-demand interpreting for in-person conversations when a Deaf and hearing person are physically together but need an interpreter remotely. Who Pays Funded by the federal government (FCC) — it’s free to users. Paid by the individual, business, […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 26, 2025 by paul
Salary Comparison: State-Certified vs. Nationally Certified ASL Interpreters Certification Level Average Annual Salary Hourly Rate Typical Work Settings State-Certified Interpreter $35,000 – $55,000 $18 – $30/hr K-12 education, local community events, basic medical or social services Nationally Certified Interpreter (RID) $60,000 – $90,000+ $30 – $60+/hr Legal, medical, postsecondary education, government contracts, high-stakes interpreting State-Certified […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 25, 2025 by paul
STATE-LEVEL INTERPRETER REQUIREMENTS Each state sets its own requirements for sign language interpreters, which may vary widely. However, common expectations include: Typical State-Level Requirements: Pros of State Certification: Limitations: NATIONAL-LEVEL INTERPRETER REQUIREMENTS National certification is typically obtained through RID (Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf), the recognized professional body in the U.S. Typical National-Level Requirements (RID Certification): […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 24, 2025 by paul
1. Definition 2. Grammar & Syntax 3. Vocabulary 4. Usage 5. Fluency & Community Perception Summary Chart Feature ASL PSE Type Full natural language Contact sign system Grammar ASL-based (topic-comment) English word order (somewhat) Vocabulary Unique signs, classifiers ASL signs with English structure Used by Deaf community Hearing learners, some Deaf users Fluency recognition Highly valued Seen as less fluent
Read MorePosted on Apr 23, 2025 by paul
Feature Hearing Aids Cochlear Implants What it is Electronic device that amplifies sound Surgically implanted device that bypasses damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve Best for People with mild to moderate hearing loss People with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who receive limited benefit from hearing aids How it works Amplifies […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 23, 2025 by paul
Attention-Getting Techniques Because sound is not always accessible, Deaf individuals use visual or tactile ways to get attention: Avoid yelling or snapping fingers — this is considered rude. Eye Contact Greetings and Goodbyes Name Signs Conversational Space Introductions and Identity Voicing While Signing Use of Technology Respect for Deaf Identity Cultural Norms and Community Ties Ask […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 22, 2025 by paul
Practicing American Sign Language (ASL) with your co-workers or staff members is one of the most effective ways to build fluency and confidence. Language is meant to be used in real-life interactions, and the greatest resource for consistent, meaningful practice is often the people around you. When you incorporate ASL into daily workplace interactions, you […]
Read MorePosted on Apr 21, 2025 by paul
The Importance of a Complete ASL Program like ASLdeafined Learning American Sign Language (ASL) is more than just memorizing vocabulary—it’s about understanding a rich, visual language with its own grammar, structure, and cultural context. That’s why having access to a comprehensive and structured program like ASLdeafined is essential for meaningful and lasting language acquisition. 1. Structured Progression […]
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