Day 28. The Importance of Deaf History Month.
Honoring the Legacy, Celebrating Achievements, and Advocating for the Future
“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.”
— Maya Angelou
Every March, Deaf History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Deaf individuals throughout history. It is a time to honor trailblazers, recognize ongoing struggles, and amplify Deaf voices in all areas of life.
Why March? The Significance of Deaf History Month
Deaf History Month is observed from March 13 to April 15 in the United States, commemorating three landmark events in Deaf education and advocacy:
📌 March 13, 1988 – The successful conclusion of the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, which led to the appointment of Dr I King Jordan as the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University.
📌 April 8, 1864 – President Abraham Lincoln signed a charter establishing Gallaudet University, the world’s first higher education institution for Deaf students.
📌 April 15, 1817 – The American School for the Deaf (ASD), the first permanent Deaf school in the US, was founded in Hartford, Connecticut.
This month-long celebration is an opportunity to learn, advocate, and support Deaf culture, history, and rights.
Key Moments in Deaf History
📖 1817 – The Birth of American Sign Language (ASL)
When Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc established the American School for the Deaf, it paved the way for the development of ASL, a rich and expressive language that is central to Deaf culture.
✊ 1880 – The Milan Conference & the Struggle for Sign Language
The Milan Conference of 1880 attempted to ban sign language in Deaf education, forcing oralism onto students. This led to decades of oppression, but Deaf activists never stopped struggling to reclaim their language.
📺 1960s – ASL Recognized as a Language
Dr William Stokoe, a linguist at Gallaudet University, proved that ASL was a legitimate language with its own grammar and structure, leading to greater recognition of Deaf culture.
🎓 1988 – Deaf President Now (DPN) Movement
Students at Gallaudet University protested for a Deaf president, demanding that their university be led by someone who understood their experiences. Their victory led to the appointment of Dr I King Jordan and greater Deaf representation in leadership.
📢 2006 – ASL Recognized as an Official Language
The US government recognized ASL as a legitimate language, leading to increased access to interpreters and Deaf education.
Why Deaf History Month Matters Today
Despite incredible achievements, the struggle for full inclusion is ongoing. Today, the Deaf community continues to advocate for:
✅ Equal access to education and employment
✅ More interpreters in healthcare, government, and media
✅ Stronger legal protections against discrimination
✅ Increased representation in film, television, and leadership roles
Understanding and celebrating Deaf history helps us continue the work of past activists and build a more inclusive future.
Resources to Learn More About Deaf History
📖 Books
📚 When the Mind Hears, by Harlan Lane – A deep dive into Deaf history and the struggle for ASL.
📚 A Journey into the Deaf-World, by Harlan Lane, Robert Hoffmeister, and Ben Bahan – A powerful exploration of Deaf culture and identity.
🎥 Films & Documentaries:
🎬 Through Deaf Eyes – A PBS documentary covering Deaf history in America.
🎬 Sound and Fury – A film about the challenges of cochlear implants within Deaf culture.
Join the Celebration & Spread Awareness!
Ways to Honor Deaf History Month:
✅ Learn ASL – Take a class or practice with Deaf friends.
✅ Support Deaf-Owned Businesses – Like Mozzeria, a Deaf-owned pizzeria.
✅ Watch Deaf Films & Follow Deaf Creators – Support movies like CODA or follow influencers like Melissa Yingst.
✅ Advocate for Accessibility – Push for captions, interpreters, and Deaf representation.
Reflection
History is not just about remembering the past—it’s about shaping the future. Let’s continue to uplift, honor, and support Deaf communities today and every day.
💙 What does Deaf History Month mean to you?
💙 How can you support the amplification of Deaf History in your communities?
Tomorrow we’ll learn about the efforts of Allies to the Deaf community.
Learn more: Deaf History Europe is an online resource that highlights deaf history through timelines, photos and articles.
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #DeafCulture #DeafHistoryMonth #DisabilityAwareness
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