National Deaf History Month
- Apr 6, 2024
- 3 min read
April is National Deaf History Month.
Since I am hard-of-hearing and grew up utilizing spoken language rather than sign language, I am not an expert on the Deaf community. I am always learning more about Deaf history, culture, and sign language. Here are some things I've learned recently regarding Deaf history.
What is the main idea behind National Deaf History Month?
This month is a time to understand the histories of the Deaf communities. It is a time to recognize that d/Deaf people have made significant contributions to the world and are able to lead independent lives despite challenges they may face.
Additionally, there are about 11.5 million Americans that have some kind of hearing loss - ranging from difficulty in hearing conversations to total hearing loss. And, almost 50 million have experience with some level of tinnitus - or a constant ringing in the ears (me too!)
What kind of challenges does the Deaf community face?
Deaf individuals face challenges in the education and employment, especially when compared to hearing individuals. Some aspects that lead to the challenges:
limited access to language and communication
reduced social opportunities
negative attitudes and biases
lack of qualified professionals
Why is it so important to learn about Deaf History?
Reasons to learn about Deaf History:
Deaf History helps provide insight into sign language and its' development
Understanding Deaf History helps develop empathy and respect for the Deaf Community
Appreciating Deaf History contributes to a more inclusive understanding for all human experience
Seeing not only the accomplishments but also the struggles of d/Deaf individuals can inspire and motivate others to continue pursuing their dreams
Knowledge of Deaf History helps shape current and future policies for d/Deaf people
Here are some key events of Deaf History:
19th Century: A majority of people living on Martha's Vineyard were deaf, or a part of a deaf family. They developed their own sign language, called Martha's Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) or Chilmark Sign Language.
1880: Milan Conference where sign language was banned in schools (oralism only)
April 15, 1817: The oldest permanent public school (American School for the Deaf) opened in Hartford, Connecticut
1823: Kentucky founded the first state-supported school for the deaf. Previously, deaf schools were operated as semi-private or private institutions without full state support and cost money to attend. Kentucky School for the Deaf was the first tuition-free, state-supported school for the deaf.
April 8, 1864: President Lincoln awarded Gallaudet University students collegiate degrees, making Gallaudet the first school for advanced education for deaf/hard-of-hearing.
1965: Dictionary of American Sign Language on Linguistic Principles (William C. Stokoe), recognized oralism was inadequate - ASL could be used in schools
1970: Sign language declared a legitimate language
March 13, 1988: Gallaudet hired its first deaf president
1996: The Telecom Act of 1996 mandated closed captioning (TV, Movies)
2010: Ban on using ASL in schools formally lifted with apologies to the Deaf community regarding the Milan Conference, setting September 23 as the National Day of Sign Languages
How can you encourage Deaf Culture awareness and celebrate National Deaf History month?
Learn sign language to promote language inclusion and access for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals
Support Deaf-owned and operated businesses
Follow and support Deaf creators
Donate to organizations providing services to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community.
Volunteer with Deaf organizations
Learn and help educate others by promoting information regarding Deaf Culture and Deaf History month
Resources:
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