Background
Deaf History Month, observed from March 13 to April 15, honors the contributions of the deaf community, marking milestones like the establishment of the first permanent school for the deaf in 1817 and the recognition of American Sign Language in 1960.
It provides a platform to celebrate achievements, raise awareness about deaf culture, and advocate for the rights of the deaf community, fostering inclusivity, and dispelling misconceptions.
Terminology
Sign Language: Language expressed by movements of the hands and face.
American Sign Language (ASL): The primary language of people who are deaf and hard of hearing living in North America.
deaf: Refers to individuals with severe to profound hearing loss. This is different from Deaf with a capital “D,” which describes a person who identifies as part of a cultural minority group, rather than as a person with a disability.
Books
- Listen: How Evelyn Glennie, a Deaf Girl, Changed Percussion by Shannon Stocker
- My First Book of Baby Signs: 40 Essential Signs to Learn and Practice by Lane Rebelo
- The Story of Helen Keller: A Biography Book for New Readers by Christine Platt
