2026 Language & Literacy Symposium
SISP is so excited to be part of the ASL Up Network’s 2026 Language & Literacy Symposium!
Sign up to gain access for a full year of content, including Sarah’s presentation about our films and how we are reimagining access.
About the panel
What if learning to read were fun? What if you became so immersed in a story, through beautiful ASL signing and animated illustrations, that you didn’t even realize that you were learning at all, you just wanted to know what happened next? What if you were able to enjoy these storybook films in a mixed audience of Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing viewers, each of you feeling fully welcomed?
Our presentation takes you along on a tour of this journey, deep-diving into the films produced by Sally Is Sarah Productions (SISP), a company founded on the idea that stories bring us together. We celebrate each person's uniqueness and understand that our differences are just as valuable as our similarities. Our films feature Deaf actors presenting the stories of inspiring characters who, despite the obstacles they encounter, find a way to chart their own paths. Our aim is to reach, educate and showcase people with all types of abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
As one educator told reflected, “I have tears in my eyes thinking of the validation and acceptance this story brings to people who watch it. You are bringing wonderful stories to life for all children.” Come see for yourself! Everyone is welcome here.
About the symposium
This online symposium brings together families and professionals committed to strengthening language and literacy outcomes for deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind children.
Beginning May 1, 2026, participants will have year-long access to recorded sessions and two live keynote presentations designed to inspire, inform, and support meaningful practice.
DCMP is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This activity has been approved for RID CEUs.
Des Plaines Public Library
Sally is Sarah Productions will be here to show an ASL storytime film called Knitting for Dogs, followed by a Q&A and a craft!
Crom Saunders, one of the film's actors and artist of Sally is Sarah Productions, will make an appearance after the film for a Q&A, giving children a wonderful opportunity to connect with someone in the Deaf community.
This will be followed by a craft organized by the Chicago Hearing Society.
All ages. Registration required beginning May 15th.
AGE GROUP: | Kids |
EVENT TYPE: | Youth Program |
TAGS: | Storytime | Film | Cultural | Art and Crafts |
Vernon Area Public Library
Join us for a special presentation of “Calvin Can’t Fly: An ASL Storybook” at the Vernon Area Public Library!
This screening will feature a live storyteller and an ASL interpreter. You'll also have the opportunity to learn some ASL signs.
This event is free and open to families with children. Signup is required. Sign up online here, by telephone at 224-543-1486, or in person at the library.
WORLD PREMIERE: Knitting for Dogs - An ASL Story
ASL Up Network is proud to host the world premiere of Knitting for Dogs – An ASL Story, a beautifully produced ASL story created by Sally is Sarah Productions.
This engaging ASL story brings the beloved book to life through rich visual language, creativity, and storytelling. Designed to be accessible and meaningful, the production supports language and literacy development for Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing children, families, and the professionals who support them.
Elk Grove Village Public Library
Sally Is Sarah Productions Presents: Red - A Crayon’s ASL Story, a film happening like you’ve never experienced before! This funny, insightful, colorful storybook film is about being true to yourself in spite of obstacles thrown your way. Watch Deaf American Sign Language master Crom Saunders signing the animated book, with music and sound effects brining the story to life. Take part in interactive games and make a fun craft with Maddie Hinkle from Chicago Hearing Society during the event.
Required registration begins Friday, December 19, 9 am.
Reaching Forward North, Illinois Library Association
Performer’s showcase of “Red - A Crayon’s ASL Story”
Rosemont, IL
GURC East Presents Red: A Crayon's ASL Story
Gallaudet Regional Center East is partnering with Sally is Sarah Productions to bring you this webinar presentation of “Red - A Crayon’s ASL Story.” Sally is Sarah Productions makes children’s storybooks accessible for kids of different reading abilities. This funny, insightful, colorful storybook film is about being true to yourself in spite of obstacles that are thrown your way. It includes an animated ASL performance of the book “Red - A Crayon’s Story” by Michael Hall, a fun game show and a lively ASL lesson about colors performed by fourth grade students from Indianapolis and St. Paul. The video and audio is supplemented with ASL performances, voice over, enhanced text and captions, animation, music and sound effects and for this webinar we'll have Deaf actor and model, Heba Toulan!
Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Event Description
This funny, insightful, colorful storybook film is about being true to yourself in spite of obstacles that are thrown your way. Includes a fun game show and a lively American Sign Language lesson about colors.
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To request an accommodation, please call 847.392.0100, text 847.665.1491 or email us at accessibility@ahml.info
Click to learn more about our accessible resources and services
No Library Card Required, but registration is required
Chicago History Museum
Photo showing Crom and Jennifer celebrating in front of the Chicago History Museum and the below text on the flier
Details
March 10, 2024 @ 2-4 p.m.
Chicago History Museum
1601 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Free with RSVP at bit.ly/Red-ASL-Film
A family fun film with story & games
A crayon who is mistakenly labeled “r-e-d” could never draw anything right until a friend changed everything and helped him be true to himself!
The film includes the story, an interactive quiz and ASL lesson, all presented with ASL performance, enhanced text, voice over, animation & original music.
Presented by Sally Is Sarah Productions, CHS, Chicago History Museum
Parking
Public parking is conveniently located one block north of the Museum near Clark and LaSalle streets at 1730 N. Stockton Drive. $10 with Museum validation.
Long Beach Public Library - Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library
Calvin Can’t Fly: An ASL Storybook