ASL Interpreted Children’s Books
We created this space so Deaf children can experience the joy of reading through books interpreted in ASL. By including subtitles and audio narration, story time becomes something the whole family can enjoy together. Deaf children gain access to stories in a language they understand, while parents, siblings, and caregivers can read along, participate, and even learn a little sign language along the way.
Because every child deserves the magic of a great story—and every family deserves to share it.
About
My journey as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter began in educational settings, where I worked with students of all ages. After more than 22 years interpreting in educational, community, and medical settings, I became deeply committed to creating a platform that gives Deaf children and their families greater access to books in ASL.
While working in the medical field, I often heard doctors ask Deaf parents, “Who is reading to your child?” As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), I know firsthand that my Deaf parents read to me, and I experienced no delays in reading or speech development. Yet a question that is asked far less often is: How are hearing parents reading to their Deaf children?
That question is at the heart of this mission. Deaf children deserve full access to stories, language, and literacy in a format they can understand and enjoy. Books interpreted in ASL, paired with written text and audio narration, help make that possible. ASL interpretation gives Deaf children direct access to the story in their first language, subtitles strengthen print awareness and reading skills, and audio narration invites hearing parents and siblings to share in the experience and become more engaged in their child’s literacy development.
Whenever possible, books interpreted by Deaf individuals are ideal. At the same time, many Deaf children grow up with interpreters playing an important role with exposure and acquisition to language. This platform is designed to provide another powerful tool for children, parents, educators, and service providers to support language development, strengthen literacy, and foster a lifelong love of reading.
We hope to partner with publishers, authors, schools, libraries, and families to build a diverse collection of accessible books and educational programming that helps every Deaf child experience the joy, connection, and learning that books can provide.