Education Resources

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:
There are also free YouTube videos available to help you learn, practice and supplement your sign language instruction:
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.
Apprenticeship Disability Inclusion Guides
The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy offers apprenticeship inclusion guides, toolkits, videos and other helpful resources for youth with disabilities, educators/service providers and businesses.
Arab American Action Network (AAAN)
The Arab American Action Network (AAAN) is a grassroots nonprofit on the southwest side of Chicago.The AAAN combines social services with organizing and advocacy to promote social change. AAAN services include:
- Children’s after-school program and summer camp
- Cultural outreach presentations for schools, faith institutions, corporations and other community organizations
- Family empowerment program offering biweekly citizenship classes, English classes and family literacy and parenting skills program
- Youth leadership program
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.
Association House of Chicago
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
For questions, please visit the Association House of Chicago’s website.
Autism Speaks Transition to Adulthood Resources
Autism Speaks offers autistic teens and their families inspiration, information, toolkits and support for creating a roadmap for their transition to adulthood journey. Its transition planning tools for individuals and their families include:
- The Transition Toolkit covering self-advocacy skills, legal matters, housing, employment options and more.
- An IEP Transition Plan Checklist to help students with autism and their parents/caregivers create and review an Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition plan.
- The Workplace Inclusion Now (WIN) free training course “Supporting Your Family Member in Employment” with information and insights into planning for employment.
- The Healthcare Transition Roadmap for help moving from a pediatrician to a primary care physician. The guide is aimed at individuals ages 12 to 21 but includes information for individuals with autism of all ages, such as finding specialists, understanding legal rights, self-advocacy tips and special guidance for LGBTQ+.
Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project
The Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project (ATTA) creates and provides resources and professional development tools to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their transition from secondary to postsecondary education or employment. ATTA provides training and support to students, young adults, families, employers and community members to ensure an equitable experience for individuals on the spectrum. ATTA offers:
- A variety of resources for supporting students
- Webinars
- Interviewing tips for students and young adults
For questions, please contact Illinois Center for Specialized Professional Support (ICSPS) Director Aimee LaFollette Julian, PhD, at (309) 438-5122.

ICSPS maintains the Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project website on behalf of the Illinois State Board of Education.

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