RMTC-DHH

RMTC-DHH

Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing

Which ASL dictionary is recommended for everyday use and state assessments?

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

Paper Dictionaries

*May be permissible for use on Florida statewide assessments. For more information on allowable accommodations on Florida’s statewide assessments, visit the Florida Statewide Assessment 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.

Picture of a split screen with an ASL dictionary on the left and content on the right

Supporting Resources:

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

“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.”

Other

Expanded Skills:

  • 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

 

Visual Dictionaries

 

Math Visual Dictionaries

 

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.