ABA + ASL

February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and cultural richness of African American communities. This year, we're dedicating our first post to a story that intersects Deaf history and Black history in profound ways: the development of Black American Sign Language (BASL). Black ASL isn't just a footnote in linguistic…

Hi everyone, Jill here. As the owner and CEO of Hands in Motion PNW, I usually love seeing our hallways at 16124 E Marietta Ave filled with the energy, laughter, and hard work of our students and staff. However, today is a little different. As many of you know, we made the difficult decision to…

Excerpt: The history of segregated Deaf education reveals a complex paradox: while rooted in systemic inequity, separate schools for Black Deaf students inadvertently preserved sign language traditions that were being eliminated elsewhere. Understanding this history helps us create more inclusive, culturally responsive services today. February is Black History Month, and it's an important time to…

The preschool years are packed with exciting changes. One day your little one is carefully stacking blocks, and the next they're building elaborate towers while explaining the entire backstory of their imaginary friend. If you're wondering what's "typical" for 3 to 4-year-olds, and when you might want to reach out for extra support, you're in…

This Black History Month, we're taking time to talk about something that doesn't get enough attention: the significant disparities Black families face when it comes to autism diagnosis, treatment access, and support. These aren't just statistics: they're real families in Spokane, across Washington and North Idaho, and throughout the country who are navigating systems that…

February is Black History Month, and it's the perfect time to explore one of the most remarkable stories in American Sign Language history. While many people know ASL has regional variations, fewer understand that Black American Sign Language (BASL) represents a distinct dialect that emerged from a painful chapter in American education, but also showcases…

February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of Black communities across America. At Hands in Motion PNW, we believe understanding the history of American Sign Language (ASL) means recognizing the profound influence of Black American Sign Language (BASL): a distinct linguistic variety that emerged from segregation…

Excerpt: This Black History Month, we're looking at the real history of autism diagnosis and services: where we've been, what's changed, and what families and providers can do right now to close gaps that still exist. February is Black History Month, and while we often celebrate achievements and leaders, it's equally important to acknowledge the…

February might be ending, but real inclusion doesn't pause for calendar changes. As families, educators, and providers, we need practical strategies that support Black Deaf and Black autistic children every single day: not just during designated awareness months. Here's the thing: inclusion isn't just about good intentions. It's about concrete actions, honest conversations, and systems…

During Black History Month, it's important to acknowledge that the journey toward equitable autism diagnosis and support has been long and complex. For decades, systemic barriers prevented many families from diverse backgrounds from accessing timely autism services. Today, while we've made significant progress, disparities persist: and understanding this history can help families advocate more effectively…