Every September, Deaf Awareness Month offers a vital moment to reflect on the history, culture, and experiences of the Deaf community. What began as the International Week of the Deaf, first celebrated in 1958 by the World Federation of the Deaf, has now grown into a month-long observance in many countries. The expansion underscores the importance of continued advocacy and deeper public awareness.
One of the most common misconceptions is that sign language is universal. In reality, different countries and regions have their own distinct sign languages—American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), Kenyan Sign Language (KSL), and French Sign Language (LSF), to name a few. Each carries its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural nuances, making them as diverse as spoken languages.
Deaf Awareness Month also highlights the uniqueness of Deaf culture. Beyond a shared language, the Deaf community celebrates its own traditions, art, humor, and social norms. This culture centers on identity, pride, and connection through sign language. Even the way we write “Deaf” matters: with a capital “D,” it refers to people who identify with Deaf culture, while lowercase “deaf” refers to the audiological condition of hearing loss.
Many people assume that lip reading bridges the communication gap. However, studies show that only 30–40% of English sounds are visible on the lips, making lip reading unreliable and prone to misunderstandings. That is why access to interpreters and captioning remains critical.
Technology has brought remarkable improvements to communication, from captioned phones and real-time transcription apps to cochlear implants and video relay services. Yet, these tools are not equally accessible worldwide, leaving many without the support they need.
Deaf Awareness Month also serves as a reminder that Deaf people can do anything except hear, a phrase made famous by Dr. I. King Jordan, the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University. Located in Washington, D.C., Gallaudet remains the world’s only bilingual university for the Deaf, blending American Sign Language and English in its instruction.
Despite such milestones, Deaf history is often overlooked in schools. Events like the 1988 “Deaf President Now” protest, which reshaped Deaf leadership in higher education, remain unfamiliar to many. Today, accessibility gaps persist—from missing captions on emergency alerts to the absence of interpreters at public events.
Deaf Awareness Month is more than recognition; it is a call to action. True inclusion means ensuring equal opportunities, amplifying Deaf voices, and building a society where accessibility is a right, not an afterthought.
Article by: PM
