Where Can I Find ASL Interpreted Movies?

Amy Lazzaretti /

For those in the Deaf or hard of hearing community, it can be tough to find ASL interpreted movies and TV shows. Closed captioning is more common, but ASL interpretation is not as easy to come by. Thankfully, there are helpful resources out there for those seeking ASL interpreted content.. . . + Read More

What are the Five ASL Parameters?

Amy Lazzaretti /

One of the key components of American Sign Language is the use of five parameters, which are used to convey meaning and nuance in signs. The meaning of a signed word can change when any of its key parameters are altered. For example, in English, incorrect pronunciation or spelling errors. . . + Read More

Ayumi Hamasaki – Deafness in Music

Makenna Cook /

Ayumi Hamasaki is a Japanese singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, model, spokesperson, and entrepreneur. She is considered one of the best selling Japanese solo artists of all time and is nicknamed the “Empress of Pop”. In the mid-2000, Ayumi Hamasaki started to gradually go deaf in her left ear. In. . . + Read More

American Sign Language Handshapes

Amy Lazzaretti /

What is a mental movie and how do we produce them? When we visualize something in our minds, it’s like a movie scene of what we recall or imagine. It can be a memory or a possible situation we witnessed. When Deaf people think in English, they have words or. . . + Read More

Deaf Certified Interpreters

Amy Lazzaretti /

While American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are common, Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are less common.  However, CDIs share many similarities with ASL interpreters, possessing specialized knowledge and skills that ASL interpreters lack training in. The relationship between CDIs and ASL interpreters resembles that between Special Forces and a town Sheriff;. . . + Read More

Tips & Tricks for Learning ASL from a Deaf Teacher

Amy Lazzaretti /

After more than 30 years of teaching, I have advised students on how to enhance their American Sign Language (ASL) skills by improving fluency, retaining knowledge, and developing abilities. Instead of spending time googling numerous tips and tricks for learning ASL, here are some tried and true methods that will. . . + Read More

Tips & Tricks from an ASL Student

Makenna Cook /

Learning a new language should be fun. Practicing shouldn’t feel like a chore, because we all know that if it does, you’re not going to keep at it.  On top of signing up for Sign Language Blitz, taking in-person classes, or going to Deaf events, there are other ways to. . . + Read More