What is Signing Exact English?
Signing Exact English is a sign language system that represents literal English. To make visible everything that is not heard, S.E.E. supplements what a child can get from hearing and speechreading. Since American Sign Language (ASL) has different vocabulary, idioms and syntax from English, SEE modifies and supplements the vocabulary of ASL so children can see clearly what is said in English. This system was first made available in 1972.
Is S.E.E. hard to learn?
Not really! Families who begin learning when their child is a baby can learn basic
vocabulary and English sentences. Their vocabulary grows as the child grows. It
is always beneficial when there are sign classes they can attend and other people
to practice with. However, video tapes/DVDs are available for families who are not
able to attend classes. It is like learning any other new physical skill-
The S.E.E. Center
Welcome!
The Signing Exact English (S.E.E.) Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children was established in 1984 as a nonprofit organization to work with parents and educators of hearing impaired children.
The goals of the S.E.E. Center are:
- To encourage early identification and intervention
- To promote development of improved English skills
- To aid in the understanding of the principles of S.E.E. and its use
- To provide information to parents on deafness and related topics
- To foster the positive development of self concept in the deaf/hh child by promoting the interaction of the child and family with both the deaf and hearing communities
How widely is S.E.E. used?
During the 1970's there was a great shift to add sign language to speech, speechreading and hearing aids. By 1978, Signing Exact English was reported the most used English sign system in public school programs for the hearing impaired in the United States. In 1985, more programs wanted teachers skilled in S.E.E. than any other sign system. Today, SEE is used in every state and in other countries as well.
S.E.E. Center for the Advancement of Deaf Children © 2010
