Wednesday, December 31, 2003

New online sign language dictionary now available

Whether you are a parent using sign language to communicate with a deaf child or someone who simply wants to learn how to sign a particular word, the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf has developed an exciting new online tool to help you.

MySignLink is a searchable online sign language dictionary. It is a powerful new application that promotes deaf literacy, while helping others around the state, and the world, learn American Sign Language.

Currently, the program has 17,000 English words and phrases that link to nearly 2,500 video clips showing signs in action. The goal is to expand the database to 100,000 word entries.

Getting started is easy; just visit www.aasdweb.com/mysignlink. Follow the simple instructions to add MySignLink to your computer’s Internet browser. Highlight any word on your screen, click on the link, and you will see a short video of the corresponding sign. You can also see the video clips by opening the MySignLink search box inputting the word and clicking OK.

MySignLink was developed by AASD media/technology specialist Dr. Harley Hamilton, with assistance from Kennesaw State University technology instructor Jim Wright.

“Use it while browsing web pages, reading a book, watching captioned TV, doing homework, studying for a test, communicating with a deaf family member, or even eating a sandwich,” Hamilton said. “It’s a fun and easy way to learn sign language, and it is available on any computer with an Internet connection.”

Online since Sept. 1, accreditation committees from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of Educational Administrators of Schools for the Deaf have praised MySignLink as a highly innovative teaching tool.

Amazingly, MySignLink was developed as part of the AASD Technology Plan for only $500. The money has paid for a one year license of video clips from the Michigan State University ASL browser. AASD is currently creating original videos to avoid licensing fees in the future.