TIAL: Hands Up!: Live ASL Practice for Library Staff (Beginner) with Kathy MacMillan - Session 1

Learn how to improve your service to deaf patrons in the first session of this interactive six-part 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! 

Presenter: 

Kathy MacMillan | Author, Librarian, ASL interpreter, Storyteller

Kathy MacMillan [ka-thee mack-mill-an] (she/her) is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press, Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Hands Up Press), and many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators. She has presented workshops and trainings for thousands of library staff throughout North America.

Recording and Slides:

This program is being recorded and the recording will be made available to the CT library workforce via the CT State Library Niche Academy. The slides will not be shared.

Who Should Come?

Perfect for anyone focused on accessibility and inclusion in the library, including Library Directors/Administrators, Children’s and YA Staff, department heads, librarians, and library staff.

Accessibility 

This webinar will be captioned. If you require another access service to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 14 days prior to the event.

Related LibGuide: Towards Inclusive Accessibility in Libraries (TIAL) by Suzanne Kiss

Date:
Monday, April 27, 2026
Time:
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Location:
Online - at your computer
Categories:
DLD Online Webinar

Registration is required. There are no seats available but a waiting list is available.

Event Accessibility for Guests with Disabilities

We want to provide what you need to participate!

If you require access services to participate fully, please use the Accommodation Request Form at least 7 days prior to the event.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223.

You can also see our Library and Accessibility LibGuide for more information.

Registration Eligibility

To register for a DLD workshop or webinar, you must be one of the following:

  • current library staff member
  • undergraduate or graduate library student
  • Friend or Board Member/Trustee*
  • retired or unemployed library staff

Please contact Gail Hurley at gail.hurley@ct.gov or (860) 704-2223 with registration questions.

*Unless otherwise specified that a Friend or Board Member/Trustee is not eligible for a training or workshop.

Note: paid consultants are not eligible to attend DLD workshops or webinars.

Cancellation Policy

If you cannot attend a workshop you have registered for, please remember to cancel at least 3 days in advance so we can give your spot to someone else. You can cancel via the link in your confirmation email, or by contacting Gail Hurley gail.hurley@ct.gov | (860) 704-2222.

Those who miss (without cancelling) 3 events within a 6-month period will be placed on the waiting list when registering for future events. Be sure to sign in when you arrive for any workshop.

Inclement Weather Policy

For all in-person workshops offered by the CT State Library, Division of Library Development:

If the public schools in the town where the workshop is to be held close due to weather, the workshop will be canceled. If the schools have a delay, the workshop will go on as scheduled.

For the most up-to-date information, call us at 860-704-2200.

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Continuing Education workshops and the professional development collection are funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Connecticut State Library.