American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language with its own grammar and word order. As Spanish is different than English, so ASL is not just signing English words.
People often ask SWM how they can begin learning ASL, improve their signing skills, become an interpreter, or get the training necessary for interpreter certification. Below is a list of resources from SWM, followed by programs that have been recommended.
Please note that SWM does not officially endorse or recommend programs outside of our ministry.
ASL Video Vocabulary Online
Taught by Jon Barr, CT
Welcome to a time-proven method of beginning to learn American Sign Language! In this 12+ hour course, Jon Barr will guide you through over 800 signs, introduce you to ASL, and give you unique ways to remember the signs you learn. Jon’s encouraging and often humorous presentation provides an interesting insight to the language of Deaf people in the USA.
What Is In The Course?
- ABC’s – The ASL Manual Alphabet
- 123’s – Numbers 1 to 1,000,000
- Over 12 Hours of Instruction
- Over 800 ASL Signs
- 10 Lessons with Review and Practice Sentences
- Student Manual PDF (Download)
- Printed Student Manual Available in Store
- ASL Grammar – Brief Insights and Hints
- Memory Devices for Many of the Signs
SWM Materials
Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View1 & 2 Samuel Deaf Bible Dictionary
Price range: $5.00 through $10.00ASL Video Vocabulary Manual
$10.00Barron’s Comprehensive Guide to ASL 1 & 2
$30.00Bible Sign Language Book
$10.00- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Daniel Deaf Bible Dictionary
Price range: $2.00 through $4.00 - Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Exodus Deaf Bible Dictionary
Price range: $3.00 through $6.00 - Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Ezra & Nehemiah Deaf Bible Dictionary
Price range: $2.00 through $4.00 - Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Quick View
Genesis Deaf Bible Dictionary
Price range: $3.00 through $6.00
SWM Events
SWM ASL Institute
ASL Institute (ASLI) is an annual sign language workshop specifically for church interpreters and deaf ministries. Classes are provided all levels of signers from beginner to advanced. — (3 Days • Offered in 2 Locations) — CEUs Available
SWM Area-wide Fantastic Saturdays
Fantastic Saturdays (FS) and D-Days (Deaf Days) are free, area-wide, all-day workshops for deaf people, deaf ministry workers and hearing people. The day is filled with excitement, encouragement, and fun. Everyone is invited to attend. All teaching will be voiced and signed. SWM literature and materials will be available at discounted prices. Lunch is provided by the host church. A love offering will be received. We look forward to seeing you at a Fantastic Saturday or D-Day in your area.
Self-study Program
ASL University
From their website: “ASLU is an online American Sign Language curriculum resource center. ASLU provides many free self-study materials, lessons, and information, as well as fee-based instructor-guided courses. Many instructors use the ASLU lessons as a free “textbook” for their local ASL classes.” — Online Only
College Programs
Bethel University
From their website: “We are a private, Christian university, offering over 50 areas of study in undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Our community is dedicated to guiding students on their academic journey while building relationships that last a lifetime.” — Located in Mishawaka, IN
Liberty University
From their website: “At Liberty University, you can tailor your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree to match your area of interest while studying at our Central Virginia campus or globally online. Certificates are also available at both the undergraduate and graduate level.” — Located in Lynchburg, VA
*Naturally, there may be other programs available.