The S.E.E. Center at ESC Region 13

SEE Dictionary

Signing Exact English is a sign language system that represents English on the hands to make visible what is not heard. Many signs and visual features of signed languages were taken from American Sign Language (ASL) to develop SEE. ASL, used by many deaf people in the USA, uses a different vocabulary, idioms, and syntax than English. SEE borrowed some vocabulary from ASL, modified and supplemented it so children who are developing language can clearly see what is said in English. SEE represents one sign for one word and also represents the grammatical markers of the English language on the hands. (Or -SEE represents one sign for one word and also English grammar on the hands.)

This visual dictionary of SEE Signs was created by ESC Region 13 as a supplement to the Signing Exact English Dictionary.

View Region 13 SEE Signs

What are Skillshops?

Skillshops are designed for individuals interested in learning S.E.E. and for those already using S.E.E. to improve their Expressive and Receptive signing skills. Intensive work is done in groups from Beginner to Advanced levels. Each group is limited to approximately 15 participants. Sessions are geared for adult level and are not appropriate for children under 16 years of age.

• Weeklong Skillshops are typically held during the Summer in various locations in Texas.
• Weekend Skillshops are usually held twice a year in a few locations , usually Washington and Nebraska.

Host a Skillshop

To host a Skillshop in your area, the requirements are:

1. A minimum of 45 students
2. Provide a location with 4 rooms for the Skillshop
3. Contact The SEE Center for a quote and more information

Register for an upcoming Skillshop

What is the E.S.S.E?

The E.S.S.E. was developed to provide a means to identify one's dominant signing style and to provide specific feedback on areas of strength and areas in need of improvement. It provides an Expressive skills rating as well as Receptive information on the type, level, and degree of understanding demonstrated for all English-related signing and signing in American Sign Language.

Learn more about ESSE

Signing Exact English Dictionary		Purchase
Signing Exact English Dictionary - Pocket Size		Purchase
SEE Online Dictionary Annual Subscription		Purchase
Signing Exact English - Affix Supplemental		Purchase
Signos para el inglés exacto (Signing Exact English) Dictionary (Digital Download)		Purchase

Esther Zawolkow

The founder and key promoter of Signing Exact English (SEE), was a CODA and pioneering RID interpreter.

Esther strongly believed that deaf individuals deserved access to our society in its entirety, which in this country meant having complete command of the English language while still embracing the history and beauty of Deaf culture. Her solution was to develop and promote SEE along with her fellow collaborators, Dr. Gerilee Gustason and Donna Pfetzing. Esther devoted 50 years of work and loving devotion to maximizing opportunities for all deaf children. This was her vision and dream, and their successes were her greatest joy.

We dedicate this webpage to her memory, the memory of her beloved husband David, who was always by her side and worked tirelessly for the SEE Center, and to the hundreds of deaf and hearing individuals, volunteers, interpreters, teachers, school districts, and parents that continue to support and utilize SEE.