Resource Directory /

Education Resources

  • American Sign Language Classes from the Oklahoma School for the Deaf

    The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) offers free, beginner-level conversational American Sign Language (ASL) classes. The self-paced, eight-lesson courses are taught by OSD’s ASL Specialist. Registration is open to anyone who wants to learn ASL. The non-credit courses do not count toward professional development hours or continuing education units.

  • American Sign Language Lessons

    If you are interested in learning or practicing the basics of American Sign Language (ASL), these sites provide free lessons to get you started:

    ASL Connect – Gallaudet University
    Sign Language 101 – Learn Sign Language Online Free
    American Sign Language | Complete 3-Level Course | Start ASL

    There are also free YouTube videos available to help you learn, practice and supplement your sign language instruction:

    ASL Connect – YouTube
    Learn How to Sign – YouTube
    ASLMeredith – YouTube
    Bill Vicars – YouTube
    Signed With Heart – YouTube

  • American Society for Deaf Children / Sociedad Americana para Niños Sordos

    The American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) is a national, non-profit organization providing support, encouragement and information to families raising children who are deaf or hard of hearing.

    ASDC offers deaf mentors and online American Sign Language (ASL) classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.  To help support language development, families and providers can also access ASL stories to watch and read together.  Resources are available in English and Spanish.

  • ASL Nook (American Sign Language Nook)

    ASL Nook (American Sign Language Nook) is an online hub featuring fun and casual videos to help deaf children, hearing family members and students learn ASL. Founded by two Deaf people from hearing families, ASL Nook aims to fill a gap for new parents and to teach ASL using authentic, real-life situations.

    ASL Nook is free and provides short ASL videos focusing on topics such as:

    • Eating at a restaurant
    • Zoo and sea animals
    • Favorite stories
    • The weather
    • Health and more

  • Assistive Technology Devices and Services for Children With Disabilities Under the IDEA

    The U.S. Department of Education’s Assistive Technology (AT) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) resource page can help guide parents and professionals who support children with disabilities who need AT devices and services for meaningful access and engagement in education. Information is available in English and Spanish.

    The page also includes “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services.” This publication aims to increase understanding of the AT requirements under IDEA. It also aims to:

    Dispel common misconceptions about AT
    Provide examples of the use of AT devices and services for children with disabilities
    Highlight the different requirements under Part C and Part B of IDEA

    You can also review “Myths and Facts Surrounding Assistive Devices and Services” in Spanish.

  • Assistive Technology Resources

    The Illinois State Library provides a list of programs and organizations that can help support assistive technology needs.

    Assistive technology is “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities.” This includes devices like wheelchairs, laptop computers and even a grip on a pencil or a special can-opener.

  • Attention Deficit Disorder Resources

    Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national non-profit organization that helps people with ADD/ADHD achieve their potential through education, support & networking.

  • Back-to-School Guide for Families with Complex Healthcare Needs

    The Child Neurology Foundation has curated a resource page to help families with complex healthcare needs navigate the school year.

    Topics include:

    • Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
    • Mental Health and School
    • IEP and 504 Resources
    • Medicaid Expansion in Schools

  • Bilingual Parents Video Library

    The Illinois Resource Center has put together a library of videos for bilingual parents with videos in French, Tagalog, Urdu, Arabic, Polish, Spanish and English.

    Each video showcases subjects and information relevant to parents, caretakers and community members, such as the role of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committees, financial aid for college, tenant rights, multilingual student rights and more.

  • Boyton Street Community Center

    Boyton Street Community Center in Marion provides children and their families opportunities for fun, learning, development and building self-esteem. The Center collaborates with local social service agencies to provide a variety of programs and services year-round. Programs at the Boyton Street Community Center include:

    Nutritious meals built around keeping kids fit and healthy
    An after-school program for children and youth in K-12
    Summer art, recreation, reading and tutoring programs
    Special events

    For more information or to learn how to enroll in a program, contact the Boyton Street Community Center at (618) 997-1113.