Makenna Cook / January 27th, 2026 Imagine growing up in a home where no one else uses sign language. You still need to communicate about food, feelings, school, and the world around you. So you start inventing your own signs. Over time, your family understands them. Your gestures become consistent. They become your language. This is. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / January 27th, 2026 
In the early 1800s, a young Deaf girl in Connecticut watched the world silently from her yard. Her name was Alice Cogswell. Her father noticed something remarkable: although Alice could not hear, she was eager to learn. She communicated through gestures, curiosity, and creativity, but there was no school in. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
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
Amy Lazzaretti / July 17th, 2025 
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) serves as a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities, including members of the Deaf community. Enacted in 1990, this comprehensive legislation ensures equal access and opportunities across multiple aspects of daily life. Key Protections for Deaf Individuals Employment (Title. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / March 31st, 2025 
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
Makenna Cook / February 27th, 2025 
36 years ago, the ‘Deaf President Now’ movement ignited a revolution. 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 embrace their Deafness with pride. Even decades later, the. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / January 31st, 2025 
An exciting new documentary titled “Deaf President Now!” is coming to Apple TV+, co-directed by Deaf advocate Nyle DiMarco and Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim. This powerful film tells the story of a pivotal moment in Deaf history and civil rights. The documentary focuses on the historic eight days of protests. . . + Read More
Makenna Cook / October 29th, 2024 
Today, we honor the birthday of Abbé Charles-Michel de l’Épée, born on November 25, 1712. A visionary educator and advocate, de l’Épée made groundbreaking contributions to the world of Deaf education. In 1760, he founded the first free public school for the Deaf in Paris, Institut National de Jeunes Sourds. . . + Read More
