As I gazed out the airplane window across the beautiful Cascade Range mountains. I realized I’d never flown this far West. Going into the weekend I knew exactly what to expect, but at the same time I had no idea what to expect. As the plane landed and I walked. . . + Read More
Blitz Spotlight: Helen Keller
Helen Keller left a lasting impact on DeafBlind history. Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Keller’s life story is a story of the strong-willed human spirit. Despite being blind and deaf in the 1880s, she defied all odds and emerged as an influential figure in the fields. . . + Read More
DeafBlind Awareness Month
At Sign Language Blitz, we celebrate the resilience, ingenuity, and unique experiences of the Deafblind community. In this blog, we’ll explore the multifaceted world of Deafblindness, diving into the power of PTASL and Pro-Tactile, the evolving landscape of Deafblind technology, and the invaluable resources that foster empowerment and inclusion. Deafblindness:. . . + Read More
Ableism & Deafness
In a world that prides itself on diversity and inclusion, the conversation around ableism is more crucial than ever. Ableism refers to discrimination and social prejudice against people with disabilities. It encompasses beliefs, attitudes, and practices that devalue individuals based on their perceived or actual abilities, ultimately contributing to the. . . + Read More
What is Deaf Awareness Week?
Deaf Awareness Week is an annual celebration that highlights the rich culture, achievements, and experiences of the Deaf community while promoting understanding and inclusion among hearing people. Understanding Deaf Culture The Deaf community has its own distinct: Common Misconceptions Important clarifications about deafness and Deaf culture: Ways to Promote Deaf. . . + Read More
Deaf Certified Interpreters
While American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters are common, Certified Deaf Interpreters (CDIs) are less common. However, CDIs share many similarities with ASL interpreters, possessing specialized knowledge and skills that ASL interpreters lack training in. The relationship between CDIs and ASL interpreters resembles that between Special Forces and a town Sheriff;. . . + Read More
Supporting Deaf Small Businesses
Deaf entrepreneurs across the globe are defying stereotypes and proving that hearing status poses no barrier to success as they carve out paths as small business owners.. . . + Read More
History of Technology for Deaf People
Before the 20th century, technology to help Deaf people was very rare. Often, they were very expensive or unavailable. Most of the time, Deaf people didn’t know about their existence. They often missed out on information around them, so they had to find ways to overcome obstacles to live their. . . + Read More
The Legacy of Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language
A village sign language once widely used on Martha’s Vineyard island from the early 1800s until 1952, Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language (MVSL) was utilized by both Deaf and hearing community members, so Deafness was not a barrier to public engagement.. . . + Read More
Deaf Authors Through History
In honor of the Deaf History Month let’s get to know a bit about a few Deaf Authors and the books they’ve written and published. In the last decade or so, Deaf and hard-of-hearing authors have started to appear more frequently in fiction and non-fiction book realm, which also has. . . + Read More
Irish Sign Language: History + Culture
Dia dhuit, lovely people! (translated: Hello or literally, God to you in Gaelic) Come in and sit down to have cuppa and biscuits with me! Lemme regale you with stories about the Deaf people’s language, history and culture. The History of Irish Sign Language According to Wikipedia, the origins of. . . + Read More