Bright Signals Resource Guide
Bright Signals
Educator & Specialist Guide
Positive Behavior Support & Social-Emotional Learning for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Learners
Universal & Tiered Supports
Ages 3–21 | Multi-Modality
The DHH Behavioral Lens: Incidental Learning & Visual Clarity
Over 80% of classroom behavioral and social norms are absorbed through passive overhearing. For DHH students, unlearned expectations can manifest as behavioral challenges. Proactive positive behavior starts with 100% visual access, explicit behavioral modeling, and equitable communication access.
1. Key Institutional Centers & Digital Repositories
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center SEL & PBIS
clerccenter.gallaudet.edu
Offers dedicated DHH Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) toolkits, visual class matrices, and ASL-accessible Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies designed for dual-language and signing educational environments.
Best For: Schoolwide PBIS rollout, visual matrix templates, bilingual ASL/English SEL lessons.
National Deaf Center on Postsecondary Outcomes (NDC) Self-Determination
nationaldeafcenter.org
Evidence-based frameworks focused on executive functioning, self-advocacy, self-regulation, and classroom communication autonomy. Hosts free modules for educators on cultivating positive peer interactions and resilience.
Best For: Middle & high school behavioral self-management, self-advocacy scripts, transition goals.
Hands & Voices (O.U.R. Children Project & FL3) Safety & SEL
handsandvoices.org
Provides practical guidance on emotional well-being, proactive de-escalation, addressing communication frustration, and establishing collaborative behavioral consistency between home and school.
Best For: Family-school behavior plans, communication repair tools, early intervention support.
2. Visual PBIS Systems & Classroom Protocols
Deaf-Centric Attention Norms
Explicit instruction in culturally respectful attention-getting: light flash (1-2 flickers max), gentle table tap, shoulder touch, or hand wave. Eliminates yelling or sudden physical disruption.
Tools: Visual Classroom Poster, Light Switch Monitor Role
Sign + Icon Visual Matrices
Dual-coded behavioral expectations pairing high-contrast visual pictograms, written English words, and photo or illustrated ASL handshape/sign references for hallway, cafeteria, and desk work.
Tools: Boardmaker PCS, Clerc Center Matrix Templates
First-Then & Transition Cues
High-contrast color-coded schedules with visual countdown indicators. Essential for easing anxiety during abrupt instructional shifts and supporting neurodivergent DHH learners.
Tools: Time Timer (Disk or LED), Desk Visual Strips
Bright Signals: DHH Positive Behavior Toolkit Page 1 of 2 National Deaf Education & SEL Standards
Section 3–6: Accessible Curricula, Sensory Design & Actionable Team Steps
Sensory Ergonomics FBA Differentiation Team Checklist
3. Emotion Literacy & Adapted SEL Curricula
PATHS® for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
PreK–Grade 6
Culturally and linguistically adapted SEL curriculum featuring signed feeling cards, explicit facial expression teaching, visual conflict-resolution steps ("Control Signals"), and peer problem-solving posters.
Resource: pathsprogram.com / Clerc Center Adapted Editions
Deafverse (National Deaf Center)
Grades 6–12
Interactive, accessible online choose-your-own-adventure game in ASL, English, and captions. Teaches self-advocacy, handling communication breakdowns, asserting accommodations, and conflict navigation.
Resource: deafverse.com (Free, classroom ready with teacher guide)
ASL Feeling Wheels & Visual Calming Cards
All Ages
Non-verbal emotional check-in tools displaying specific ASL facial grammar (eyebrow, mouth morphemes) matched with intensity gradients. Allows students to express dysregulation without verbal speech demands.
Resource: Hands & Voices / TeachersPayTeachers DHH Specialists
DCMP SEL Visual Media Library
K–12
Described and Captioned Media Program provides hundreds of free, fully captioned and signed educational videos addressing empathy, bullying prevention, digital citizenship, and emotion regulation.
Resource: dcmp.org (Free account for educators & families of DHH)
4. Sensory & Environmental Accommodations (DeafSpace)
Visual Ergonomics
Prevent visual fatigue (a leading trigger of off-task behavior): semicircular seating (U-shape), glare-free lighting, unobstructed sightlines to interpreters and peers, and quiet background walls.
Acoustic Management
Auditory overload causes physical exhaustion and behavioral withdrawal. Utilize tennis ball chair glides, acoustic area rugs, sound panels, and consistent teacher wear of FM/DM assistive listening mics.
Sensory Calming Corner
Equip quiet corners with tactile regulation items (weighted lap pads, resistance bands) and visual breathing cards (e.g. 5-finger breathing visual) instead of audio-dependent soothing prompts.
5. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) Critical Guidance
Language Deprivation & Frustration: Many behaviors (tantrums, impulsivity, physical grabbing) stem from an inability to express immediate needs, lack of early language access, or missed background instructions—NOT oppositional defiance.
Assessment Protocol: Always ensure the FBA team includes a certified Teacher of the Deaf (TOD) and uses evaluations administered in the student’s primary and fully mastered language modality (ASL, spoken language, or tactile sign).
6. IEP/504 Positive Behavior Action Plan Checklist
Establish Visual Cue System: Pre-teach 3-5 universal visual gestures/cards for "Need Break", "Help", and "Communication Breakdown".
Peer Protocol Training: Teach hearing classmates respectful visual attention-getting etiquette and inclusive communication rules.
Acoustic & Sightline Audit: Conduct room inspection with educational audiologist and TOD to reduce reverberation and eliminate blind spots.
Visual Praise & Reinforcement: Pair verbal praise with direct eye contact, positive facial expression, signed praise (applause/ASL clap), and token cards.
Bright Signals: DHH Positive Behavior Toolkit Page 2 of 2 Comprehensive Resource Reference Guide
Silent Signal Cue Cards
Silent Signal Cue Cards
Set A: Student Self-Advocacy, Access & Emotional Regulation
Cut along dashed lines • Punch ring at top dot
Sensory Break #01
Need a Break
"My eyes or brain need a rest. I will use the calming corner or take 3 deep breaths for 3 minutes."
ASL / Gesture: Crossed wrists break apart or "REST" sign
Comprehension #02
Please Sign / Say Again
"I missed that information. Please slow down, rephrase, or show me on the board."
ASL / Gesture: Bent-hand taps flat palm ("AGAIN")
Visual Access #03
Sightline Blocked
"I cannot see the interpreter, speaker, or slides clearly. Please help me clear the visual path."
ASL / Gesture: Two fingers point from eyes ("CANNOT SEE")
Hearing Tech #04
Check My Mic / FM
"The microphone is muted, the battery died, or static is loud. Please check the transmitter."
ASL / Gesture: Index taps ear then point to mic ("SOUND OFF")
Self-Regulation #05
Feeling Overwhelmed
"I am experiencing strong feelings and need space. I do not want to talk or sign right now."
ASL / Gesture: 5-hand claw over heart or push open palms down
Academic Aid #06
I Need Help
"I tried step 1, but I am stuck. Can you model an example or clarify what to do next?"
ASL / Gesture: Thumbs-up on flat non-dominant palm ("HELP")
Task Progress #07
All Done / Check Me
"I completed my assignment or target routine. I am ready for feedback or the next task."
ASL / Gesture: Open 5-hands flip outward twice ("FINISH")
Basic Needs #08
Restroom / Water
"I need to quickly step out for the restroom, water, or nurse. I will return in 3 minutes."
ASL / Gesture: Shake 'T' handshape (toilet) or 'W' at chin
Bright Signals • Silent Signal Cue Cards Card Deck Page 1 of 2 Self-Advocacy • Visual Access • SEL
Silent Signal Cue Cards
Set B: Classroom Norms, Peer Etiquette & Positive Transitions
Teacher / Peer Prompt • Desk or Lanyard Mount
Visual Attention #09
Eyes on Signer
"Pause hands and look at whoever has the floor. In our visual space, looking away is like walking away."
Visual Cue: Point two fingers from eyes to focal person
Peer Etiquette #10
Gentle Tap or Wave
"Get a friend's attention politely: 1 or 2 soft shoulder taps, light table tap, or small hand wave. No grabbing."