This page serves as a growing hub for South African Sign Language digital resources, research outputs and initiatives supported by SADiLaR and its partners.
Promoting Inclusion of SASL in Digital Spaces
The South African Sign Language (SASL) Dissemination Event brought together members of the Deaf community, researchers, educators, language practitioners, technology specialists, and policymakers to showcase innovative projects advancing South African Sign Language in digital spaces. The event highlighted new digital resources, tools, language technologies, and collaborative initiatives designed to strengthen accessibility and inclusion for SASL users.
Event: South African Sign Language Dissemination event
Date: 29 May 2026
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
Hosted by: SADiLaR in collaboration with the Child Language Development Node at Stellenbosch University
Why This Matters
South African Sign Language was recognised as South Africa’s 12th official language. This dissemination event contributed to ongoing efforts to ensure that SASL is represented, accessible, and sustainable within the digital ecosystem through research, language technologies, educational resources, and collaborative
Presentations & Reports
Presentations:
| Presenter | Organisation | SASL Resources Showcase |
Mr Dirkie Ebersohn | National Institute for the Deaf, Sign Language Centre | |
| Mr Zander Vermeulen | Department of Computer Science, Stellenbosch University | |
Prof Kate Huddlestone | Department of General Linguistics, Stellenbosch University | |
| Ms Ayesha Ramjugernath | Stellenbosch University | |
| Ms Sithembile Khwela | REAH |
Reports
- A proof of concept wordnet design for South African Sign Language (SASL), (Prepared by: Ms Marissa Griesel, SADiLaR)
- Inventory of traceable resources available in South African Sign Language as on 18 June 2026 (Prepared by: Dr Michelle J. White, SADiLaR, Amended by: Prof Frenette Southwood, Stellenbosch University)
- Migrating SASL Literature and Curriculum Material from DVD to a Learning Management System (Prepared by: Ayesha Ramjugernath, Handlab Project, Stellenbosch University)
- Stakeholder interview report for SADiLaR on the Development of a sign bank for South African Sign Language (SASL), (Prepared by: Candice Morgan in collaboration with Frenette Southwood)
SASL Digital Resources
- SASL videos: Highlights, testimonials, teasers etc
- SASL Resources Inventory: comprehensive inventory of available South African Sign Language resources, highlighting existing assets and identifying future development opportunities.
- Learning Management System designed specifically for South African Sign Language texts and learning materials for use in schools for the Deaf.
- References and contact details for National Institute for the Deaf: https://nid.org.za/news/references/
Recommend a SASL Resource
Your feedback and contribution to promoting and including SASL in digital spaces is crucial. If you know of a South African Sign Language (SASL) resource, preferably open source, or an organisation that should be included in our inventory, please share it with us by providing as much detail as possible.