Deaf History Month begins today! This month, which runs through April 15, celebrates the history of the deaf community and culture, as well as the achievements and contributions of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. This specific timeline was chosen to encompass important historical moments, including the start of Gallaudet University’s first deaf president on March 13, 1988 and the opening of the first public school for the deaf on April 15, 1817. Learning about one’s history provides opportunities for self-identification with role models from similar backgrounds and experiences, and we can all learn from moments in history and their impact on the future.
Prominent People and Historical Moments
Many are likely familiar with the work and contributions from notable deaf people such as Ludwig Beethhoven and Helen Keller. However, there are many others who have contributed to and brought awareness of the deaf community, as well as a number of interesting historical moments that shaped the deaf community. Here are some of them:
- Marlee Matlin, an American actress and activist for the deaf community, was the first deaf person to be the voice of a deaf character in the animated show Family Guy. She is also the only deaf person to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in “Children of a Lesser God.”
- The first public school for the deaf was started in 1817 in Hartford, Connecticut by Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet with help from Laurent Clerc, a French deaf educator.
- On April 8, 1864, Gallaudet University became the world’s first advanced educational institution for the deaf community.
- While sign language is now considered an important and widely-used language, in the late 1800s to the mid-1900s it was viewed as a hindrance to the communication of deaf people. In 1960, William Stokoe began studying the language, the first to do so, contributing to changing the view from forbidding the use of sign language to encouraging and embracing this valuable form of communication.
- The use of sign language among deaf people can be found as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece.
- Shirley Jeanne Allen became the first Black deaf woman in the United States to earn a doctoral degree in 1992 at the University of Rochester.
- The founder of the Girl Scouts was Juliette Gordon Low, who suffered from ear injuries as a child, resulting in the loss of most of her hearing.
Ways to Celebrate Deaf History Month
Learning about deaf history is a great way to celebrate this month, but there are other ways to learn about the deaf community, connect with others, and bring awareness of deaf culture. Check out the following list for some ideas:
- Support organizations dedicated to helping the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, such as YHD, by volunteering or donating.
- For those who are hearing, learn about the best communication methods with deaf and hard-of-hearing people and the impact of deafness. Check out YHD’s blog as a starting point.
- Learn American Sign Language to better communicate with those who use this language. Perhaps take time to simply learn the alphabet or a few signs.
- Attend local events for deaf awareness and support.
- Look for deaf businesses or artists in your area, and visit and support them.
In any capacity you choose, celebrate the moments in history and individuals that positively impacted and created the deaf community and culture as it is today. There is so much to be learned by those who surpass and defy expectations and beliefs, paving the road for others in the future. It speaks to the importance of honoring who we are as individuals, rather than being defined by one characteristic.
- Tags: American Sign Language, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Deaf History, Your Hearing Dog Inc.
