Deaf History Month

 



National Deaf History Month is celebrated from March 13 through April 15 to commemorate the achievements of people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Deaf History Month aims to raise awareness about the deaf community, their struggles, and their contributions to society. The specific timeframe was chosen to recognize pivotal moments in deaf education, highlighting the progress and achievements of the deaf community.  

Key Dates:
  • March 13, 1988: Gallaudet University appointed its first deaf president, I. King Jordan.
  • April 8, 1864: Gallaudet University, the first institution of higher education for the deaf and hard of hearing, was officially founded.
  • April 15, 1818: America's first public school for the deaf, the American School for the Deaf, opened.  

The American Society for Deaf Children estimates that about 11.5 million Americans have some sort of hearing impairment, ranging from difficulty in hearing conversation to total hearing loss. That's about 3.5% of the population. In addition, around 50 million of the population experience some level of tinnitus - a constant ringing in the ears.  Access National Deaf History Month resources on their ASL Stories Directory.  You can find more statistics about hearing here.  

Ways to Observe Deaf History Month
  • Learn sign language.
  • Learn more about deaf history.
  • Partner with the deaf community.




Resources:
American Society for Deaf Children
National Association of the Deaf
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
National Today




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