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
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.
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
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
Black Deaf History
At Sign Language Blitz we recognize our shared humanity, and our collective need to observe our specific cultural heritages & histories. We support people across boundaries of race, faith, orientation and identities in the face of ongoing discrimination, injustice, bias, and lack of inclusion. Though information and education exist, bias. . . + Read More
Kevionn Woodard is Making History
Picture this. You’re ten years old. You just spent all day at basketball practice at your elementary school. You come home to your mom telling you the craziest news of your life. You’re the first Black Deaf actor to be nominated for an Emmy in the Guest Actor in a. . . + Read More
The Stories of the Super Bowl LVII ASL Interpreters
Join us as we delve into the captivating stories of the interpreters who graced the 2023 Super Bowl, shedding light on their backgrounds, cultures, and the extraordinary importance of their roles.. . . + Read More
The National Association of the Deaf
In a world that thrives on communication, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) stands as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States. Established in 1880, the NAD has played a pivotal role in promoting equality, accessibility, and the. . . + Read More