National Deaf History Month

Guest Blogger - Matthew Gilsbach, Coordinator of Campus Programs, University of Vermont; Friend of Delta Zeta


What is National Deaf History Month?

National Deaf History Month is observed each year from March 13 – April 15. It straddles two months to highlight three major events in Deaf History.

• March 13, 1988: The culmination of the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University resulted in the successful appointment of the first deaf president of Gallaudet University, Dr. I. King Jordan.
• April 8, 1864: President Abraham Lincoln signed the charter for Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. Gallaudet University is the world's only university in which all programs and services are specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students.
• April 15, 1817: The first permanent public school for the deaf, the American School for the Deaf (ASD) opened in Hartford, Connecticut.

Why is it important to recognize these dates?

The Deaf community has a rich history of culture, language, successes and struggles. The Deaf community is similar to other culturally marginalized groups and these events help recognize the successes that allowed us to continue to enhance our own cultural heritage. Deaf people have their own language, history, shared values and community.

In fact, did you know that American Sign Language (ASL) is the 4th most popular and used language in America and ASL is widely sought after to learn at the collegiate level. An interesting fact, people who are visual learners and tend to use their right side of the brain discover that ASL is the good language option for them to learn in lieu of spoken languages.


Why is this important to Delta Zeta members to know?

Delta Zeta’s mission states “The purpose of this sorority shall be to unite its members in the bonds of sincere and lasting friendship, to stimulate one another in the pursuit of knowledge, to promote the moral and social culture of its members, and to develop plans for guidance and unity in action; objects worthy of the highest aim and purpose of associated effort. Also, Delta Zeta's philanthropy is to support Deaf, hard of hearing and speech programs including Gallaudet University.

As a member of Delta Zeta, it is important to understand and be knowledgeable about your values and the organizations you support. As a proud Friend of Delta Zeta (FODZ), supporter of the values of Delta Zeta, and a Deaf community member, I believe it is important to know the community that you strive to support, be an ally for and help represent on a international level.


References:
http://www.gallaudet.edu/Gallaudet_University/About_Gallaudet/Fast_Facts.html
http://deafness.about.com/cs/events/p/historymonth.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sign_Language