Deaf History Month: History, Culture, and Contributions of the Deaf Community

Why Deaf History Month Matters

Each April, we recognize Deaf History Month and honor the history, culture, and contributions of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

In this article, we’ll cover:

the history of Deaf History Month
facts about the deaf and hard-of-hearing community
tips for respectful communication
common misconceptions
notable individuals in the deaf community
ways to celebrate and learn more

History Behind Deaf History Month

The nationwide celebration began in 1997 and was initiated by two Deaf employees who were teaching their coworkers sign language at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, DC.

The original observance period for Deaf History was March 13 - April 15 in recognition of the opening of the first permanent and public school for the deaf in April 1817, which was co-founded by three key figures: Mason Cogswell, Laurent Clerc, and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. Today, it is known today as the American School for the Deaf (ASD).

Deaf History Month’s observation dates also coincided with the founding of Gallaudet University in April 1864, a private federally chartered university for the deaf, as well as the installation of Gallaudet University’s first Deaf president, Dr. I. King Jordan, in March 1988.

However, this observation period was later changed in 2022 for the entire month of April based on feedback from the community and to ensure that there was a larger historical lens to acknowledge deaf culture, especially the inclusion of BIPOC deaf individuals and their experiences too.

Facts About the Deaf Community and Culture

The deaf community remains a diverse and unique group of individuals who identify themselves with varying degrees of deafness. According to the National Association of the Deaf, current and appropriate terminology and identifications include the following based on personal associations with deafness:

Deaf

DeafBlind

DeafDisabled

Hard of Hearing

Late-Deafened

Tips for Interacting with the Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing

How do individuals with deafness communicate and interact in the world? A person who is deaf or hard-of-hearing primarily processes the world around them visually. This can be visual cues with hands or face or even body language.

Depending on the level of deafness an individual has, they may communicate and interact with others by:

Sign language

Lip reading

Cochlear implants

Hearing aids

Video relay service

Closed Captions

It is important to remember that when you are interacting with someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing they should be given the same level of respect and attention as anyone else. During personal interactions, here a few things to keep in mind:

Don’t assume! Take a moment to find out if the individual prefers to use sign language, written communication, or is comfortable with verbal speaking.

Make eye contact and ensure the individual can see your lips and speak and enunciate clearly.

Be mindful of your hands and don’t cover your mouth with them. Also, if you have facial hair, this can sometimes make lip reading more difficult.

When relying on a sign language interpreter, be sure to look at the individual with whom you are interacting with at all times, not with the interpreter.

If you are in a group setting, allow for each person to take their turn speaking and communicating to make the conversation is accessible for everyone.

It’s okay if mistakes or misunderstandings happen, but don’t give up! Make every effort to reach clarity and understanding between everyone.

Common Misconceptions

Unfortunately, stereotypes do exist and they can be difficult to correct or overcome without exposure to others with lived experiences and accessible information that educates us. However, everyone can work together to avoid furthering these antiquated misconceptions about people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Here are a few examples:

Talking louder will help them understand — no, it may help some, but clarity and visual cues are far more important.

Hearing aids and Cochlear Implants restore hearing — no, they only aid or improve a person’s ability to hear, but everyone’s experience and level of ability with them is different.

They can’t enjoy music — many people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing do enjoy music and love it. Some even play instruments! Each person will experience music in their own, distinctive way, through audible sounds or vibrations.

They can’t use the phone — thanks to advancement in technology, there are many ways to communicate today, such as texting or video call services.

Sign language is the same everywhere — just like spoken languages, there are differences depending on where you live, with approximately 300 types of sign languages used all over the world.

People with hearing loss only want to hang out with others like them — no, people with hearing loss and deafness can and do interact with hearing people everyday!

Notable Individuals in the Deaf Community

Shirley Jeanne Allen, EdD was the first deaf, Black woman to earn a doctoral degree from the University of Rochester. Allen became deaf at age 20 when she was afflicted with typhoid fever. After earning her doctorate degree, she served as a professor at Rochester Institute of Technology for 28 years.

Alice Hagemeyer was the first Librarian for the Deaf Community at the District of Columbia Public Library. Hagemeyer was an advocate and instrumental in bringing greater awareness to the language, culture, and achievements of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

Thomas Edison was an inventor, businessman, and engineer. Edison was completely deaf in one ear while hard-of-hearing in his other ear. He became one of the most well known inventors of our time with significant inventions like the phonograph and the electric light bulb.

Lauren Teruel Ridloff is a deaf, American actress who became the first African American and Mexican-American contestant to win the Miss Deaf America pageant. Though Ridloff intended to write children’s books, she ended up with an acting career and landed starring roles in AMC’s television series, The Walking Dead, and Broadway production of Children of a Lesser God.

Dr. Robert H. Weitbrecht was deaf since childhood and was a renowned physicist who loved science and known as the “Father of the TTY” for his creation of the teletypewriter, or TTY. Weitbrecht’s invention made it possible for the deaf community to communicate with others over telephone lines through text messages.

Juliette Gordon Low was the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912 and lost her hearing in one ear as a result of ear injuries. Low was nicknamed “Daisy” and dedicated her life to empowering others through leadership skills, especially for girls to embrace their strengths and passions.

Ways To Celebrate Deaf History Month

Learn American Sign Language (ASL). There are a number of ways you can learn ASL, either online, or even in-person at local community colleges and universities, with flexible and free or low budget options. Check out these resources for more information and available classes at ASL Virtual Academy, ASL Online Courses, Start ASL, and ASL Deafined.
Discover, read, and support an author who identifies as deaf or hard-of-hearing. There are numerous children’s book authors and adult book authors sharing their work with diverse and meaningful stories and characters.
Watch Deaf President Now, available on Apple TV, a moving documentary which highlights the week-long student protest that changed Gallaudet University forever and led to the appointment of its first deaf president.
Become a patron and support a business that is owned and operated by an individual who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Deaf Services Unlimited and Deafopia provide excellent, searchable databases of businesses and categorized by the type of services or products they offer.
Follow a YouTuber. Some are humorous, others are serious, but all follow the lives of someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Check out Jessica Flores, Sign Duo, DEAFinitely Dope, and Chrissy Marshall.