My son has Down's Syndrome and is deaf. Does anyone know of a good internet program for teaching sign language

Question

My son has Down's Syndrome and is deaf. Does anyone know of a good internet program for teaching sign language

Answer 1

Go onto the DSA website. Downe syndrome association. Or call them up and see if Prof Buckley can't recommend one.Another way is with Makaton....that is easy sign language. Good luck.

Answer 2

For you or him?

I have not had a lot of luck teaching kids sign by internet alone and I have taught both regular ed Deaf and Downs/ Deaf because sign language is an interactive language.

Language itself, for a child,is to get something:food, toys, "help" from adults at a beginners stage. Later you hope to express other needs, toilet, illness, sadness, love etc.

Another thing I have learned is it takes a lot longer to learn signs than to respond to them receptively.

If you are learning sign, that's great!!! I'd als incliude lotsa of pictures and start a picture dictionary with him with things cut out from magazines and photos so he can turn the pages and find the picture he wants.

Answer 3

you don't mention how old your son is, but here is a good sight that I use....

http://www.signwithme.com/

Answer 4

This isn't an internet program, but

look at signingtime.com  Then look at the flash cards.  They are wonderful! They even come with a clip to hold them together so you can carry them around for communication.  One side of the flashcard has a word and a photo.  The other side has a photo of a real person signing the word.  There are several different sets.  I haven't used the videos or books, but the flashcards are fantastic!

Answer 5

I agree with the "sign with me" website - they use makaton in that -

Have you asked your Special Educator / Speech Pathologist what they suggest you use with you son to support communication?

I would hope you are in an Early Intervention Program!

Answer 6

http://www.lifeprint.com/asl101/

http://www.handspeak.com/