Yale ASL Archives

The Yale ASL Archives Project, supported by the Rosenkranz Grant for Pedagogical Innovation, preserves and celebrates the history of ASL and Deaf culture at Yale and beyond. This digital archive includes instructional videos, ASL translations of historical documents, and resources highlighting the intersection of ASL, education, and advocacy.

  • The ASL Archives capture Yale’s historical connection to Deaf culture through archival materials, personal narratives, and records of contributions by Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
  • This initiative creates instructional videos and ASL translations of historical documents, ensuring accessibility for the Deaf community and ASL learners.
  • By integrating the archives into ASL courses, students can explore the intersection of language, history, and culture, gaining real-world context for their studies.
  • The project highlights partnerships with institutions such as the American School for the Deaf and the Connecticut Association of the Deaf, fostering deeper connections between students and the Deaf community.

This project promotes accessibility, cultural understanding, and hands-on learning, with plans for future expansion to include additional multimedia resources and collaborations.By providing access to authentic materials and integrating them into course curricula, the project offers a unique, immersive learning experience. It also supports ongoing research into the history of Deaf education and the role of ASL in academic and cultural settings.

The ASL Archives Project aims to expand its reach by collaborating with other academic institutions and community organizations to include additional narratives and historical artifacts. Future plans also include hosting workshops and events to showcase the archives and inspire dialogue on the importance of preserving Deaf history and culture.

Yale Deaf history archives sources 

Explore curated historical records, oral histories, and cultural artifacts showcasing Yale’s connection to the Deaf community.

YALe asl archives featured items 

Discover highlights from the archive, including instructional videos, ASL translations, and unique historical documents.