Which ASL dictionary is recommended for everyday use, math, science, state assessments (e.g., Florida Standards Assessments), etc.?

RMTC-D/HH does not recommend one ASL Dictionary over another; therefore, they are listed alphabetically. Each dictionary is helpful for different purposes. We welcome recommendations to add to this list.

If a student is going to use a specific ASL dictionary on a state test, then they should practice using the same dictionary in the classroom on a regular basis. However, it should be noted that just because another dictionary (or any other accommodation or support) that is not permissible on the assessment, does not mean it is not permissible for use in the classroom. For districts that use Portal for Exceptional Education Resources (PEER), there is a form in the program the parents can sign for accommodations used in the classroom that are not allowed on statewide assessments. Districts that do not use PEER should have an equivalent form.

Electronic/Online Dictionaries

• ASLCore is a Deaf-centric dictionary of all subject areas which honors and celebrates Deaf culture and American Sign Language sponsored by RIT/NTID. 

• ASL Clear STEM Dictionary - Searchable by handshape or English Words

• *ASL Dictionary App, Software Studios LLC (iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows). It does not access the internet, therefore it can be used during state testing.

• ASL-LEX 

• ASL Pro 

• ASL University (formerly Life Print)

• Austin Community College Specialized Sign Dictionary

• DeafTEC STEM Dictionaries (Information Technology, Lab Sciences, and Math), Math Tutorial Videos

• Handspeak 

• NTID ASL Dictionary App, (Google Play)

• Sign ASL - Web-based and app (iOS and Android) versions of this dictionary search a variety of resources and compare thousands of words and phrases in ASL. 

• Sign Savvy 

• Smart Sign Dictionary from Georgia Tech Center for Accessible Technology in Sign (GA CATS) can be viewed on any web browser using a computer or phone. It provides students with pictures for multiple meanings of words to determine the appropriate definition.

• Texas Math Sign Language Dictionary

Paper Dictionaries

• *American Sign Language Dictionary, Revised Edition (RMTC-D/HH Loan Library, Catalog #196.)

• NTC’ Multilingual Dictionary of ASL (RMTC-D/HH Loan Library, Catalog #1811.)

• Random House Webster’s Concise American Sign Language Dictionary

• *The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary (RMTC-D/HH Loan Library, Catalog #24.)

• The Gallaudet Children’s Dictionary of American Sign Language (RMTC-D/HH Loan Library, Catalog #505.)

*Permissible for use on Florida Standards Assessments. For more information on allowable accommodations on Florida’s Assessments, visit the FSA Portal.

The screenshot below demonstrates how to split a computer screen to use an online sign dictionary. Directions on how to split a screen on a Mac or Windows computer.

Supporting Resources:

Statutes, Technical Assistance Papers (TAPs), other legal references

Florida State Accommodations Guide “Students who use sign language as their primary means of communication may use an English/sign or sign/English translation dictionary. The dictionary must be similar to one used in an instructional setting and may not contain definitions of words. The dictionary may contain the sign picture, the word, synonyms, and an index. Electronic sign language dictionaries that meet the same requirements without accessing the Internet may be used.” Florida TAP on Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities Florida TAP on Accessible Educational Materials Florida Communication Plan for Students who are D/HH Describe the use of the ASL dictionary on the plan.

Other

SP.PK12.DH.4.5 Express the meaning of complex vocabulary, concepts, and figurative language through explicit strategies, such as drawing, role play, fingerspelling, and recognizing visual markers.   SP.PK12.DH.5.2b Request adaptation of the physical environment or accommodations when communication is perceived to be difficult.   SP.PK12.DH.6.2b Select and use assistive technology—low-tech, high-tech, closed captioning, alerting systems—that is personally appropriate.   ASL Content Standards from Gallaudet University   Other Dictionaries:  Vocabulary Simple English Dictionaries Heinle’s Newbury House of American English  Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English  Merriam-Webster Learner’s Dictionary   Visual Dictionaries Visuwords Merriam-Webster's Visual Dictionary   Math Visual Dictionaries A Maths Dictionary for Kids Math is Fun

 

The information contained in the FAQs does not constitute legal advice. RMTC-D/HH does not endorse or sponsor any one product. Please refer to the original sources listed in each FAQ for more information.