National ASL Day

National Sign Language Day is dedicated to raising awareness about sign languages and the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. It is celebrated annually on various dates in different countries around the world.

National ASL (American Sign Language) Day is celebrated in the United States on April 15th. This day recognizes and celebrates the unique language and culture of the Deaf community in America. It also serves as an opportunity to educate people about the importance of sign language and the need for greater access to communication for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

ASL has a rich history and culture. Some famous Deaf individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, such as literature, science, and entertainment, and some Deaf cultural events and traditions are celebrated within the Deaf community.

By highlighting the importance of sign language and the unique challenges faced by Deaf individuals, National ASL Day can help to break down barriers and promote greater inclusion and accessibility.

Facts about Americal Sign Language

• ASL is a complete and complex language with its grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. It is not just a manual version of English or any other spoken language.

• ASL is the primary language used by many Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States and Canada.

• ASL uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning. It also has unique linguistic features, such as the use of space, movement, and classifiers.

• ASL is not universal; different sign languages are used worldwide in different countries and regions. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) and Australian Sign Language (Auslan) are other from ASL.

• ASL was officially recognized as a language in the 1960s. Before that, Deaf individuals were often discouraged from using sign language and were instead encouraged to learn how to speak and lip-read.

• ASL has regional variations and dialects, just like spoken languages. For example, ASL used in New York City may differ from that used in Los Angeles.

• Deaf individuals do not just use ASL. Many hearing individuals, such as interpreters, family members of Deaf individuals, and those interested in the language, also use ASL.

Famous Deaf People

There have been many famous Deaf people throughout history who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some examples:

Ludwig van Beethoven is a famous German composer suffering from progressive hearing loss, eventually leading to complete Deafness. Despite his Deafness, he continued to compose and conduct music, and some of his most famous works were created during this period.

Helen Keller - an American author, political activist, and lecturer who was Deaf and blind. Despite these challenges, she became a leading advocate for people with disabilities and significantly contributed to education, women's rights, and social justice.

Thomas Edison - an American inventor and businessman who is credited with developing many important technologies, including the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the electric light bulb. Edison suffered from hearing loss later in life and eventually became Deaf.

Marlee Matlin - is an American actress who is Deaf and has won numerous awards for her work in film, including Oscar-winning, CoDa.She is also a prominent advocate for Deaf rights and has worked to raise awareness about Deaf culture and issues facing the Deaf community.

ASL Resources

Governor's Commission on Disability

NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Developmental Disability Council

Dial 988 For Help 

After years of advocacy and preparation, 988 has been recently rolled out nationwide as the new number to contact for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. People now have a simple, easy-to-remember way for people to get help. This new number will allow people to quickly connect with support during a crisis, 24/7, regardless of location.