One thing I wanted to say/ask is what you currently have for "Resources" for learning ASL. (hoping we can help out a bit!)
ASLPro.com
ASL Browser
SignSavvy
All are great video based resources online (free - you have to register with signsavvy but the free version is fine!).
If you are looking for Religious signs, let us know (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Pagan etc) - there are a number of great video based websites for that as well (which where a LIFESAVERS while I was in seminary!!)
A resource I also found helpful is:
The RIT Deaf-Studies Resource Library
Two AWESOME sites/stores that have TONS of Hoh/d/Deaf and interpreter resources and products are:
DawnSignPress.com
&
GarlicPress
Many of the books from GarlicPress can also be ordered from your local "brick&mortar" Bookstores as GP is a common supplier of many children's books ("board=books", "first-words books", activity/learning books etc) to most bookstores throughout the USA & Canada.
As far as ASL dictionaries (books) and references ...
A Basic Course in American Sign Language (often called the "ABC book of ASL") is a really good book - it can optionally be ordered with a DVD. The most reliable place to get it is via
DawnSignPress.com
A very common, well known and well respected ASL curriculum is the "Signing Naturally series" ... this is often used in ASL classes from beginners through more advanced. While it's not technically intended to be a "self study" series ... it may still be quite helpful to have (comes with a DVD) - or at least borrow.
Two of my "must have ASL dictionaries" are:
1)
Random House Webster's Unabridged American Sign Language Dictionary by Elaine Costello Ph.D.
You want to make sure that you get the unabridged hardcover version as it has more signs, and expanded introduction (worth reading!) and larger easier to read signs.
It's a great resource! One thing you might want to do when Adam is write the date beside each sign when he learns to recognize a specific sign (ie understands it) then the date when he reproduces the sign (correctly in context). This allows you to keep track of what he knows, what he's "learning" - it becomes a "short hand language journal" of sorts in addition to being an ASL dictionary
2)
The Canadian Dictionary of ASL By: C. Letourneau, C. Bailey, K Dolby
Now, I know this may sound like an odd suggestion for someone living in the USA ... but about 95% of the signs are the same between Canada and the USA (4% being regional differences within USA, 1% being "Canadian" signs ... many "USA only signs" are included though, since many Canadians go to Gally, or until recently where using the USA VRS ).
The thing is, that this book is a VERY good dictionary, with excellent clear signs (as well as phrase examples of how to use the sign correctly) that is even better than the Random House dictionary (which I LOVE BTW).
If it's at all possible to get this via the library, or find a used copy somewhere ... it's really worth seeing if you can get (it's expensive to by new , but that hasn't stopped it from flying off the shelves continually since production!!). I'm not comfortable saying " go by it new without seeing it" ... ONLY due to the cost factor - it's still hardcover only so it's expensive ... otherwise (if it was $20-40) I'd really suggest just getting it!
In many cases (to varying degrees) ASL and other Hoh/d/Deaf books, videos/DVD and resources are available either at the public library (larger cities) or via one of the "disability services" or "Hoh/d/Deaf services" organizations in your area.
In larger cities or places with a larger Deaf Community, especially if their is a nearby Hoh/D/Deaf school (such as is the case where I live) they will often have a library and media centre that is "open to Hoh/d/Deaf and their families" (but may or may not "technically be open to the public").
These centres will likely have copies of the Signing Naturally series, ASL dictionaries, ASL DVDs (including kids stories in ASL) as well as many many other resources that can be borrowed/rented. You will likely need to get/purchase a special "lending/library card" which may be $0-20 ... the money going towards maintaining and adding new resources to the library/media centre etc.
Hope that helps!!
