New Year, New Programs!
We've started off 2019 with new programs and resources that you and your family will love. In this issue, discover three ways to take your ASL skills to the next level, learn about the importance of Deaf adult role models, download your 2019 ASDC wall calendar, and get the scoop on recent news and upcoming events.
Three Ways to Improve Your ASL Skills
#1: SignOn with ASDC
Are you learning ASL to communicate with your Deaf or hard of hearing child? SignOn is a virtual immersion program that lets you practice ASL live with a Deaf adult from the comfort of your own computer. With SignOn, you get:
  • One-on-one ASL practice with a Deaf adult
  • Personalized sessions that fit your interests and skill level
  • Flexible scheduling, available 7 days a week

ASDC member families are now eligible to receive five FREE sessions (a $125 value). This offer is available to the first 500 families who apply, so don’t wait!
Not an ASDC member?  Join or renew now
#2: Online Family Learning Experience
Our friends at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center are offering this first-ever online learning opportunity exclusively for families of deaf and hard of hearing babies. Learn about recommended strategies for both visual and auditory language acquisition to help your child reach optimal language, literacy, and social-emotional development.

This 4-day event is online, so you can attend from home. And it's free!
#3: ASL Weekend in Scranton, PA
Take your ASL skills to the next level! Join us or a fun, intensive two-day workshop lead by our team of experienced instructors. Get personalized instruction, small group practice, and review important topics including:
  • Reading and literacy
  • Fingerspelling
  • Numbers
  • ASL jargon
  • Sport signs
  • Taboo signs
  • STEM

ASL Weekend: Scranton, PA (June 1-2)
We welcome parents, professionals, and kids ages 16 and up. Scholarships are available for ASDC members. Space is limited, so register today!
The Importance of Deaf Role Models
Did you know? More than 90% of Deaf and hard of hearing children are born to hearing parents who don’t know American Sign Language (ASL). And most of those hearing parents (up to 88%) will never learn it, despite the fact that there is much evidence that learning ASL will lead to better outcomes for their child. What can be done to help hearing parents start - and stick with - learning ASL? One person who can make a significant difference is an Deaf adult role model.

In this new article by Tracy Stine, you'll learn what Deaf adult role models can do for families, what research says about their impact, and how you can find a Deaf role model.
Fabulous Fundraising
For the past three years, Arthur Rann Elementary School in Galloway Township, NJ has welcomed new deaf students, many who rely on ASL to communicate. This school has embraced the opportunity to work with deaf students, and their staff has been working hard to learn ASL.

This year, staff voted to donate the $1,200 they raised at their 15th Annual Snowball Sling to ASDC! A special thank you goes out to Caroline Spilker, 4th grade teacher and Spirit Committee Coordinator.
Poll: Tell us what you think!
We want you to get the most out ASDC newsletters. Any tips or suggestions to make your experience with us a better one are welcome. Please take the one-question poll below or email us at  customerservice@deafchildren.com  with your suggestions. Thank you!
Would you like this newsletter to include links to videos that teach seasonal ASL signs?
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Upcoming Conferences
ASDC Conference • June 27-29

Our annual conference is coming up! Join us in Delaware for this fun, family-friend event that includes a kids program for ages 1-14.
Early bird pricing ends March 30.
EHDI Conference • March 3-5

ASDC is hosting a vendor booth at the 2019 Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Conference in Chicago, IL.

Stop by and see us at Booth #14!
News Worth Sharing
We Love Our Donors!
ASDC relies on members and donors like you to provide programs and support to families who use American Sign Language. This month, we're sending out a heartfelt thanks to our recent donors:

  • Ahmed Mohamed
  • Amy Ferrell
  • Angela DiGeronimo
  • Anonymous
  • Ashley Russo
  • Barbara Nielson
  • Ben Heberlein
  • Brian K. Riley
  • Carlene Galvin
  • Cheryl-Annette Parker
  • Curtis Keedy
  • David Auld
  • Elisabeth Ketterer
  • Gail Hole
  • Gail Weigel
  • Geri Rios
  • Gina Oliva
  • Heather Oster
  • Jeff Bravin
  • Joeseph & Margaret Finnegan
  • Juliah Morris
  • Keegan Rush
  • Linda Petzold
  • Miriam Rudolph
  • Robert Weinstock
  • Sara Bartz
  • Summer Shoucair
  • William Harrington
  • Zacchaeus Mosley
  • Pledgeling Foundation
  • Network for Good
  • Paypal Charitable Giving Fund
  • Your Cause
  • National Student Speech Language Hearing Association at SUNY New Paltz
In Loving Memory of:

  • Lucille Trengrove - Lee Murphy, Lynda Egler, and Larry Goldberg
  • Richard Edward Green - Raquel Paulus, Karen Luncy, Heather Smith, Roger & Myrna Horton
  • Wilhelm Bartenbach - Bartenbach Foundation Trust
  • Steven R. Schuman - Brooks & Carol Gracie, Leo Schuppert, Don Uphouse, Mike DeBaufre, Susan Roth, and Michael Child

On Behalf of:

  • Tomas & Salina Oppus, Ray & Ana Cisneros, Martin & Sonia Oppus, and Miguel & Susan Oppus by GOE Enterprise
  • Dolphin Cove, College of Staten Island Student Housing - Joshua Sulloway
  • Victoria Bardin by Nichole Johnson
  • Jenna by Evin Barber (Merry Christmas!)


Make a difference!
Donate directly or support ASDC through
ASDC Printable Wall Calendar
American Society for Deaf Children | www.DeafChildren.org