[3] As a poet, Valli created original works in ASL that he performed to appreciative audiences around the U.S. His poems make sophisticated use of handshape, movement, use of space, repetition, and facial expression.
"Dandelion" uses simple nature imagery to convey the persistence of ASL despite oralists' best efforts to weed it out.
He gave workshops and presentations across the U.S. that raised awareness and appreciation for the movement, meter, and rhythm in ASL poetry.
His poetic works, which have drawn international recognition for their aestheticism and contribution to literary scholarship, are available on video, performed by him and other ASL artists.
[1][5] He also made an impact in Canada while working at the Ernest C. Drury School for the Deaf in Milton, Ontario.