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Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading is an evidence-based, supplementary literacy program for deaf and hard of hearing students in kindergarten to second grade. The program has two components: a three-day-per-week fingerspelling program, and a complementary two-day-per-week reading comprehension program.

CURRICULUM TRAINING

To implement the Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading program in your learning environment, you must be trained to use the program. The Clerc Center provides an 8-hour in-person curriculum training or two 4-hour virtual sessions on consecutive days.

If your school or organization is interested in hosting a training, the fee for the training is $1,250.

If you are interested in attending the scheduled training sessions that the Clerc Center provides throughout the year, the fee is $160 per participant.

Please note the maximum number of participants for the two different training formats: 25 participants in person and 15 participants virtually.All fees go to the trainers for their time and expertise.

Individual registration

$160 per person

This training is only available virtually.

Each training session includes two 4-hour virtual sessions on consecutive days. 

Maximum number of seats available:
15 seats per training session

 

Group Registration

 $2,300 (plus travel expenses for in-person trainings)

Two different training formats available: in-person and virtual.

Maximum number for the two different training formats are:

25 in person |  15 participants virtually

 

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Daily Program View
 
Get an idea of what the program looks like daily here: Fingerspelling Program Overview
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FSP Research Information
 
Read research information on the program here:
FSP Research Information
 

CLAD Research Team

Team Member
Brenda Schick, Ph.D.

Team Member
Nancy Bridenbaugh, M.A.

Team Member
Amy Lederberg, Ph.D.

Team Member
Victoria Burke, Ph.D.

 

Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading (FOWTR) was originally developed by the CLAD research team through federally funded research. In 2025, the Clerc Center acquired the program and now leads its national implementation, training, and ongoing development to support literacy outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing students.

Fingerspelling Our Way to Reading (FOWTR) was originally developed by the National Research and Development Center on Literacy and Deafness (CLAD) through federally funded research focused on strengthening early literacy outcomes for Deaf and hard of hearing children.