When a hand moves, a voice is spoken,

When a vision is seen, a dream is open,

When a thought is understood, a mind is flowing.

American Sign Language [ASL], like English and all other languages, was developed within several communities centuries ago in this country. Today, ASL is widely used by Deaf and Hearing individuals alike. Any human being, especially a deaf infant who relies on visual input for communication, should be afforded the right to acquire and use a signed language for full access to meaningful communication.

As contributors of the ASL Think Tank, our mission is to bring a better understanding to parents, advocates, policymakers and educators on promoting dual language use (ASL and English) in the deaf person’s everyday life at home, school, and community. Bridging research findings along with life experiences as Deaf and Hard of Hearing professionals, we consider how ASL as a visual language facilitates early communication between the infant and caregivers, enhances the child’s cognitive and literacy skills through bilingual education, and promotes healthy socioemotional development through rich interactions with family and peers.