Supporting Deaf communities the world over
We give deaf children and their families access to sign language, and we train the teachers who work with them.
Two programs, one goal: early language for deaf children
The Signs and Smiles app
An early language learning app designed for hearing families with deaf children.
Teacher development
Professional development training for teachers in Central Mexico, building capacity for early language development among deaf children.
An app to grow with
The Signs and Smiles app gives hearing parents of deaf children the resources they need to raise their kids.
- Sign language learning
- Community connections
- Best practices for parenting
Available in Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL) and Mexican Sign Language (LSM), with American Sign Language (ASL) in development. Help us add your sign language
Deaf children with early access to sign language thrive
No language delay
Sign language guarantees a language foundation from the start.
Better reading outcomes
Early signers read better than deaf children without early language.
On par with hearing peers
They perform like hearing peers on standardized tests (Mayberry 2002).
How you can help
Give monthly
A monthly gift of $9.00 is all it takes to become a sustaining member of Signs and Smiles.
Partner or volunteer
Help us bring the app to a new signed language, or lend your skills another way.
Stay in touch
Join our mailing list for updates on our projects.