Opening Statement:
Although National Deaf History Month is not a federally recognized holiday, it is a time to raise awareness about the deaf community and their struggles in society and in the workforce. During this month we also focus on honoring the immense contributions of deaf individuals and the deaf community to our country. Additionally, we also get to learn more about the ongoing advocacy work many organizations undertake to make life easier, more inclusive, and accessible for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
History Of Deaf History Month
· Deaf History Month is an awareness month for the deaf and hard-of-hearing persons in the U.S. On March 13, 1988, the ‘Deaf President Now’, also known as the DPN Movement, successfully campaigned for the appointment of a deaf president at Gallaudet University. Dr. I. King Jordan subsequently became Gallaudet University’s first deaf president. On April 8, 1864, America’s only higher education institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students Gallaudet University was founded, following President Abraham Lincoln’s assent of the charter which established the prestigious college. The university is named after notable educator and minister, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who pioneered research and advocacy for an improved educational system for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in the U.S. Lastly, American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, Connecticut — the first permanent public school for the deaf and hard-of-hearing, was founded on April 15, 1817.
· The celebration of the National Deaf History Month is traced to two deaf employees at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington D.C. who taught their colleagues sign language on March 13, 1996. This event spurred the library management led by the deaf librarian, Alice Hagemeyer, who also initiated Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action (FOLDA), to create the Deaf Awareness Week in 1997. In 2006, the American Library Association (ALA) and National Association of the Deaf (NAD) designated March 13 to April 15 of every year as Deaf History Month and a month-long nationwide event. Since then, both advocacy organizations have continued to clamor for a federal proclamation of National Deaf History Month by the White House and/or Congress. In 2022, NAD changed Deaf History Month to the full month of April.
How To Observe Deaf History Month
· Learn Sign Language
Celebrating National Deaf History Month can start with learning American Sign Language (ASL). It will be fun and beautiful learning how to communicate with deaf persons around you.
· Learn More About Deaf History
You’ll find many useful contents about the history, challenges, and achievements of the deaf community. Consider memoirs, articles, books by deaf authors, and TED talks that feature deaf speakers.
· Partner With the Deaf Community
There are various deaf rights advocacy groups in the U.S. Search through the websites of these advocacy groups to learn how you can join their fight for equity for the deaf community.
WHY DEAF HISTORY MONTH IS IMPORTANT
· Advocating For the Rights of Deaf Persons
Many deaf and hard-of-hearing people often struggle with stigma in our society. Deaf History Month offers the right opportunity to speak up for them and advocate for their inclusion and accessibility in our communities.
· Celebrating The Community
The deaf community is one that is largely ignored. Having Deaf History Month enables us to celebrate and remember this community
· Creating Awareness
National Deaf History Month raises awareness about the deaf and hearing-impaired community. With proper awareness, we can share and celebrate their culture and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.
Closing Statement:
While doing my research I became aware, it was in 1817 that the first public school for the deaf opened in Hartford, CT. Currently, there are one in every three people globally over the age of 65, which is about 165 million people worldwide that struggle with a hearing loss. Millions of Americans live with deafness, which is about 38 million Americans. Roughly 12% of the U.S. population have a significant hearing loss. Around the world there are children under the age of 15 who suffer with hearing loss. FACT…Loud music causes hearing loss and repeated exposure to loud noise at 85 decibels or higher, is the leading cause of hearing loss. Many famous people have hearing loss as well as many notable figures such as: Halle Berry, Thomas Edison, Brian Wilson, Barbra Streisand, and Ludwig van Beethoven have all struggled with hearing loss. Let’s all use this month to learn more about hearing loss and to help those who suffer and struggle every day.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!