National Deaf History Month is celebrated during the month of April. Deaf History Month was originally recognized from March 13 to April 15 to commemorate a number of important occurrences in the deaf community.

The first public school for the deaf in America opened April 15, 1817; the world’s first institution for advanced learning for the deaf and hard of hearing - Gallaudet University - opened April 8, 1864; and Gallaudet hired its first deaf president March 13, 1988, in response to demands from its students.

The celebration of National Deaf History Month is generally traced to two Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library employees who taught their peers sign language March 13, 1996. This spurred the deaf librarian, Alice Hagemeyer, to initiate Deaf Awareness Week in 1997, which grew to Deaf History Month in 2006.

The dates were changed to April 1-30 in 2022 to simplify the celebration and to be more inclusive of all people in the deaf community, instead of just focusing around the schools.

This celebration is held to bring awareness about the deaf community and its struggles, as well as recognizing the advances and progress made by deaf individuals.

According to the American Society of Deaf Children, “We are proud to recognize the work our predecessors have done and the paths they have paved.”

VITAC, a closed captioning provider, commented on the recent advances made in gaining a greater representation in media. Actress Marlee Matlin has long been on the front lines of advocating for the deaf community and increased representation. Matlin made history in 1987 when she became the first deaf performer to win an Oscar for acting when she received the best actress award for “Children of a Lesser God.”

Troy Kotsur became the first deaf male actor to win the Oscar in 2022 for his role in “CODA,” which went on to win the Oscar for best picture. CODA is a common term in the deaf community. It stands for Child of Deaf Adults.

Recent movies and television shows have also featured deaf themes and actors including “The Sound of Metal,” “A Quiet Place,” “Hawkeye” and “Only Murders in the Building.”

“These movies and programs have earned rave reviews for their stories, characters and portrayals, demonstrating a deep need for these stories within the cultural zeitgeist,” VITAC noted.

As of yet, National Deaf History Month is not recognized federally, but several advocacy organizations continue to seek federal recognition from the White House and/or Congress.

There are a number of ways to celebrate National Deaf History Month. ASDC recommends supporting deaf-owned and operated businesses, donating to organizations providing services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, volunteering with deaf organizations, educating others by promoting information and news about deaf culture and advocating by encouraging companies and governments to fulfill their legal obligations to deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

Learning more about deaf culture, partnering with the deaf community and learning sign language are easy ways to observe National Deaf History Month.

Lehigh Carbon Community College offers two courses in American Sign Language for anyone interested in learning the basics. Additionally, a number of websites and YouTube videos are available to help increase access to the language and deaf culture.

On a personal note, I’ve been learning ASL for a few years now, including taking the LCCC courses. I also work in the restaurant industry, and there is no end to the practicality of learning at least a few ASL words and phrases.

When I worked in a night club setting, my colleagues and I could communicate with each other without having to shout above the deejay. We could also ask each other for help from all the way across the restaurant.

There is no way to describe the feeling of being able to serve or assist a deaf patron in his or her own language. The surprise and joy on a person’s face when you start signing makes it worth taking the time to learn the language. I’ve also learned that most people in the deaf community appreciate the effort more than anything. If I don’t know the sign or do it wrong, everyone I’ve interacted with has been supportive and helpful in guiding me.

The deaf community, in my experience, is rich and welcoming. Try and take some time to educate yourself, reach out and make some new friends. Happy National Deaf History Month!

Samantha Anderson

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press