The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library has just introduced a fantastic resource for libraries, schools, camps, and businesses! The Deaf Creator Collective is a searchable database of Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened, and CODA creators for events, projects, programs, and partnerships. The database includes artists, educators, performers, advocates, entrepreneurs, STEMists, and other creative professionals, and it’s easy to search by industry or location.
Online session via Zoom (1 hour webinar). Includes recording access for 30 days.
Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for autumn sights and activities. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way.
Certificate of completion available upon request with successful completion of post-test.
Pricing:
Individual: 45.00 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live event)
Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
Optional Add-on: Individualized video feedback: 25.00. Submit a video (up to 10 min) demonstrating your planned signing activities for storytime and receive individualized feedback on sign choices, production, and more from Kathy MacMillan via return video within 14 days. Must be used within 6 months of purchase.
About the Instructor: Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Sign the Seasons and Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Huron Street Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators.
Past attendees say:
“There was a wealth of ideas and information in this webinar! I’m really looking forward to practicing these signs so that I become more comfortable with them, and then incorporating them into my storytimes. I thought all the rhymes and songs she shared are great. I also loved how Kathy gave us story time tips that are valuable even if you’re not using ASL! Excellent workshop.” – Jane Weaver, Youth Services Specialist, Ponte Vedra Beach Branch Library, St. John’s County, Florida
“The do-it-as-you-watch aspect of the training is the best way to get started.”- Anonymous
“I like the openness; the starting at level 0 was exactly what I needed. I left the webinar with the idea that I had learned more than just some signs; I understand (some) of the underlying philosophy.” – Anonymous
6-lesson eCourse; begins Monday, October 5, 2026: American Sign Language is most commonly used in storytimes for babies, but the applications can go much further. In this 6-week eCourse, MacMillan explores the benefits of signing with all children. In addition to learning basic ASL vocabulary appropriate for use with children in library and classroom settings, you will also learn to teach stories, songs, and other activities that incorporate ASL.
Wednesdays, September 9 to October 14, 2026. 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific
Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through November 15, 2026.
Learn how to improve your service to deaf patrons in this interactive series. We’ll cover basic information about American Sign Language and Deaf Culture, as well as specific vocabulary for the library setting. Each session will build on those before it to reinforce your knowledge and expand your ability to communicate with members of the Deaf community, and you’ll get plenty of interactive signing practice! Certificate of completion available with successful completion of post-test.
Individual: 270.00 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live series ends)
Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
Wednesdays, October 21 to November 25, 2026, 12-1 PM Eastern/11 AM-12 PM Central/10-11 AM Mountain/9-10 AM Pacific
Online sessions via Zoom (6 weeks, 1 hour per week). Includes recording access for all sessions through December 26, 2026.
Build your American Sign Language skills for library settings in this interactive series. This series is appropriate for those who have taken Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner), or the ASL for Library Staff eCourses through the American Library Association, or anyone who already knows some library vocabulary in ASL and wishes to polish their skills. Join us to reinforce your library signing skills and increase your confidence in your ability to communicate with members of the Deaf community. Certificate of completion available with successful completion of post-test.
Individual: 270.00 (includes live webinar and recording access for 30 days after the live series ends)
Group rates available for groups of 10 or more. Contact info@storiesbyhand.com for more information.
My new series from Familius Press launches today! Sign the Seasons introduces babies and toddlers to early communication through the sights and traditions of the seasons.
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by Kathy MacMillan
Illustrated by Ekaterina Ladatko
ASL/Deaf Culture Advisor: Tanya Daniels
Early Childhood Education Advisor: Louise Rollins
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“What a beautiful book! The illustrations wrap around the reader like a warm hug after a chilly fall day. This book will be perfect for anyone looking to learn about sign language for fall. I can see this being used and loved in homes, classrooms, libraries, and bookstores for interactive storytimes where children practice their motor skills and celebrate the season.” – Tracy C. Gold, author of Everyone’s Sleepy but the Baby
Stories By Hand with Kathy MacMillan 