Hispanic Heritage Month is a time of celebration and appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that make up the Hispanic and Latin American world. One aspect of this diverse heritage that often goes unnoticed is the vibrant realm of Spanish and Latin American Sign Languages. Understanding. . . + Read More
History
Deaf people have a very rich cultural history. Through out the years, Deaf people have been journeyed from being silenced to overcoming oppression. Read these blogs while you are completing your lessons to better understand Deaf history and perspective.
Happy International Week of the Deaf!
Every year, the last full week of September is celebrated as the International Week of the Deaf (IWD). This vibrant and significant event shines a spotlight on Deaf culture, Deaf communities, and the rights of Deaf individuals around the world. It’s a time to celebrate diversity, raise awareness, and advocate. . . + Read More
Embracing Deaf Awareness Month
September is a significant month for fostering understanding and recognition of Deaf culture and the challenges faced by the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Deaf Awareness Month, observed annually in September, provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the richness of Deaf culture, raise awareness about communication accessibility, and. . . + Read More
Influential Deaf Women – Then and Now
The world has witnessed numerous trailblazers who have shattered barriers and left an indelible mark on history. Among these remarkable individuals are Deaf women whose courage, resilience, and determination have paved the way for progress and equality for the Deaf community. Despite facing communication challenges and societal prejudices, these exceptional. . . + Read More
The World’s First Public Deaf School
A brief history of the world’s oldest deaf school in Paris, France, otherwise known as Institute National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris. Today, on July 29th, we commemorate the anniversary of the Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris (National Institute for Deaf Children of Paris), a government-recognized and funded. . . + 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
The History of Gallaudet University
Gallaudet University, founded in 1864, was the world’s first higher education institution designed specifically to serve deaf and hard of hearing students. . . . + 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
Deaf Education: Oral vs Manual
Did you know that Alexander Graham Bell was a teacher at a deaf school in Boston? He was fluent in American Sign Language. His philosophy for the Deaf was advocating oralism. Bell took part in many historic events that nearly caused American Sign Language (ASL) to become extinct. Edward Miner. . . + Read More
The ‘Deaf President Now’ Movement
36 years ago, the ‘Deaf President Now’ movement ignited a revolution. Feels like just yesterday this amazing organization was born. What began as a fight for the first Deaf president at Gallaudet University blossomed into an international conversation about representation. Deaf President Now paved the way for future generations to. . . + Read More