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History of American Sign Language

10 minutes 46 seconds

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Historical map of Martha’s Vineyard from 1775.

A narrative of the origins of American Sign Language (ASL) presented by ASDB Deaf Mentor Joseph Ponte. Presented in American Sign Language (ASL) by Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind Deaf Mentor Program.

Media Details

Runtime: 10 minutes 46 seconds

Topic: Deaf Life, Education
Subtopic: Deaf Education, Deaf History
Grade/Interest Level: 7 - 12
Standards:

Release Year: 2020
Producer/Distributor: ASDB Deaf Mentor Program
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Man with brown hair and beard pointing right index finger out and away from camera. Caption. Uh, have you taught your children sign language.

Man looks towards an adolescent boy wearing a football uniform with full protective gear. They are standing on a field. Caption. To the information they can't hear.

Purple virus illustration with toilet plunger-like spikes all over its body. The virus stares at us with yellow eyes that have big bags under them. It has a devious smile with two fangs and a golden crown on its head. Text reads, “A Kid’s Guide To The Coronavirus.”

Purple virus illustration with toilet plunger-like spikes all over its body. The virus stares at us with yellow eyes that have big bags under them. It has a devious smile with two fangs and a golden crown on its head. Text reads, “A Kid’s Guide To The Coronavirus.”

Purple virus illustration with toilet plunger-like spikes all over its body. The virus stares at us with yellow eyes that have big bags under them. It has a devious smile with two fangs and a golden crown on its head. Text reads, “A Kid’s Guide To The Coronavirus.”

Purple virus illustration with toilet plunger-like spikes all over its body. The virus stares at us with yellow eyes that have big bags under them. It has a devious smile with two fangs and a golden crown on its head. Text reads, “A Kid’s Guide To The Coronavirus.”

Man looks at the camera as he uses sign language. Large photo of a young boy is on his left. Caption. To learn sign language and meet deaf people.

Senior man signs with right hand in front of face, pointer and thumb touching. Left pointer finger touches right elbow.

Middle-aged man looks up to side with bemused expression on his face as he gestures with hands.

Viewer Comments

Lauren D. (Neptune, NJ)

September 13th, 2023 at 03:54 PM

Good overview to the beginnings of American Sign Language. I used it to introduce a novel "Show Me a Sign" to my class.
Jotham O. (Derry, NH)

June 15th, 2022 at 06:53 AM

Excellent video, good to introduce students to History of American Sign Language