Projects That Impact Education

Each of our projects in education, research, and assessment aligns with our central goal -- to create dynamic and intuitive educational resources and experiences that engage ASL-signing and ASL-learning audiences, including students, teachers, interpreters, professionals, and parents.

In 2017, members of our team launched ASL Clear, an online ASL-centric app delivering STEM modules in ASL that include mini-presentations, vocabulary, and definitions. ASL Clear’s innovative web design makes it possible for users to navigate and search the site in ASL. All materials are created by panels of subject matter experts who are Deaf and native or heritage ASL-signers. Research and development of ASL Clear began in 2005 with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

With funding from the National Science Foundation, our team is conducting foundational research into ASL-centric web designs that improve the user experiences for ASL-signers, in collaboration with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Computer Science program. The goal of this research is to evaluate and develop Sign Language First (SL1) technologies that allow ASL-signing users to engage with online materials and content easily, enjoyably, and effectively.