Sign first, learn by signing
For people whose language is sign, sign is not an extra feature added at the end — it leads. This app teaches the fingerspelling alphabet A to Z and core signs for everyday life and emergencies, each step by step, and it carries tools for right now: a board you type on and show, and cards you can print and carry. Nothing is stored and nothing is sent anywhere.
Sign languages differ by country. This app teaches American Sign Language (ASL) fingerspelling and signs. If your country signs differently, your own Deaf community's teachers are the right door for your sign language — the free doors at the bottom lead to them.
Sign Language System — sign first, learn by signing
Say it with the board
Type what you need to say, then tap “Show it big” and turn the phone around. Your words stand big and clear for the person facing you. “Say it aloud” reads them out for someone who cannot see the screen. Nothing you type is kept — clear it and it is gone.
Cards to carry
Print these cards, cut them out, and carry them. Show one at a police stop, a hospital, a workplace, a school, or any window where speaking is hard. You can also download them all as one printable page.
I am Deaf.
I communicate in writing or in sign language. Please write to me, or face me when you speak so I can read your lips. In an emergency, you may text me. Thank you for your patience.
I am Deaf — police stop.
I cannot hear your instructions. Please write them down for me, one step at a time. I will keep my hands where you can see them. I have the right to an interpreter for questioning. Thank you.
I am Deaf — hospital.
Please communicate with me in writing or through a qualified sign language interpreter. Do not use my family as interpreters for medical decisions. My emergency contact can be reached by text.
I am Deaf — at work.
I do my job in writing, by text and email, and in sign. For meetings, I need an interpreter or live captions. Please face me when you speak and put important things in writing. Thank you.
The fingerspelling chart
The whole ASL fingerspelling alphabet on one chart — the same letters the system above teaches one at a time, in words.
Download the fingerspelling chart
Watch the alphabet signed
A short captioned demonstration. It plays only when you tap it — nothing moves on its own here.
Free doors beyond this app
Free resources: ASL University / Lifeprint — free lessons by a Deaf teacher (lifeprint.com); Gallaudet University's public resources (gallaudet.edu); your state commission for the deaf and hard of hearing. Help: 7-1-1 reaches the free telecommunications relay service; text-to-911 works in many areas — where it does not, a voice call through relay still reaches emergency services. Grants and help: state telecommunications equipment programs give free amplified and captioned phones in many states — apply through your state commission.
Shared for learning only from the named official source. Programs change — check the source before you apply. Applying is always free.