Education Resources
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Internship Programs
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) provides two internship programs offering professional and career development opportunities for students and recent graduates with disabilities. The programs help participants access meaningful employment, gain leadership skills and connect to the broader disability community.
Learn more about the programs and how to apply:
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:
American Sign Language: Basic Lessons
The Chicago Park District’s Sarah Faber, Program and Event Coordinator for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, and Timothy Owens, Special Recreation Coordinator, provide weekly American Sign Language lessons on the park district’s YouTube channel.
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.
Association House of Chicago provides services promoting health and wellness, education and economic opportunity. Programs are provided in English and Spanish using a collaborative model that meets participants’ immediate needs while working toward long-term goals.
The Association House of Chicago focuses provides services in five key areas:
- Behavioral Health
- Child Welfare
- Community Health
- High School
- Workforce Development
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.