Deaf History Month
April 1 - April 30
About Deaf History Month
Deaf History Month, also known as National Deaf History Month (NDHM), is observed throughout April in the United States to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of the Deaf community. Coordinated by the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), the month honours milestones in Deaf education, advocacy, and civil rights, while promoting greater understanding of Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) among the wider public.
What is Deaf History Month?
Deaf History Month is a dedicated period for recognising the contributions of Deaf individuals and the broader Deaf community to American society and culture. Throughout April, schools, universities, libraries, museums, and community organisations host events including ASL workshops, film screenings, lectures, art exhibitions, and storytelling sessions that highlight Deaf history and culture. The observance encourages both hearing and Deaf individuals to learn about the rich heritage of the Deaf community, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for accessibility and inclusion.
When is Deaf History Month?
Deaf History Month runs from 1 April to 30 April each year. In 2026, it begins on Wednesday, 1 April and ends on Thursday, 30 April. The month was recently shifted to these dates by the NAD Board, replacing the original March 13 to April 15 observance period, in order to simplify the dates and to focus more inclusively on Deaf history from all parts of the Deaf community.
Why Deaf History Month Matters
Approximately 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss, and roughly 1 million are functionally deaf. Despite these numbers, Deaf history and culture are rarely taught in mainstream education. Many hearing people have limited understanding of ASL, Deaf culture, or the systemic barriers that Deaf individuals face in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and public services. Deaf History Month matters because it creates space for the Deaf community to tell its own story — a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride that stretches back centuries. It also provides hearing allies with an opportunity to learn, listen, and take action toward a more accessible world.
How to Get Involved in Deaf History Month
There are many ways to participate in Deaf History Month, whether you are Deaf, hard of hearing, or a hearing ally:
- Learn basic ASL — Start with greetings, common phrases, and the manual alphabet. Free resources are available online, including video tutorials on platforms like YouTube and SigningSavvy. Even a few signs demonstrate respect and willingness to communicate.
- Attend a Deaf cultural event — Check with local libraries, Deaf community centres, and universities for lectures, film screenings, art exhibitions, or ASL social events happening during April.
- Read books by Deaf authors — Explore works by Deaf writers and historians, such as Nyle DiMarco’s memoir, Sara Novic’s novel “True Biz,” or Andrew Solomon’s “Far from the Tree,” which includes an extensive chapter on Deaf culture.
- Watch Deaf-created media — Stream films and TV shows created by and featuring Deaf people, such as “CODA” (2021), “Sound of Metal” (2019), or the television series “Switched at Birth.” These works offer authentic portrayals of Deaf life and culture.
- Advocate for accessibility — Contact your local representatives to support legislation requiring captioning, ASL interpretation at public events, and accessible communication in healthcare and government settings.
- Support Deaf-owned businesses and organisations — Seek out businesses run by Deaf entrepreneurs and donate to organisations like the NAD, Gallaudet University, or local Deaf service providers.
- Share Deaf history on social media — Use the month as an opportunity to post about Deaf milestones, achievements, and culture, helping to educate your network and amplify Deaf voices.
History of Deaf History Month
The observance traces its origins to the advocacy of Alice Hagemeyer, a Deaf librarian who spent decades working to improve access to information for the Deaf community. Hagemeyer, who worked at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., championed the idea of a dedicated period to celebrate Deaf history and pushed for greater representation of Deaf culture in public libraries and educational institutions.
In 2006, the American Library Association and the National Association of the Deaf joined Hagemeyer’s efforts, formalising Deaf History Month as an annual observance. The original dates — 13 March to 15 April — were chosen to encompass three landmark dates in Deaf history. The period began on 13 March, the date in 1988 when I. King Jordan became the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University following the historic “Deaf President Now” (DPN) protests. It included 8 April, the date in 1864 when President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation establishing Gallaudet as the world’s first university for Deaf and hard of hearing students. And it ended on 15 April, the anniversary of the founding of the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817 — the first permanent school for Deaf students in the United States.
The NAD Board subsequently voted to shift the observance to 1–30 April, a change designed to make the dates more straightforward and to broaden the focus beyond educational institutions to include the full spectrum of Deaf experiences, including those of marginalised communities within the Deaf world. The National Association of the Deaf itself has a long history, having been established on 25 August 1880 in Cincinnati, Ohio, making it one of the oldest civil rights organisations in the United States. Those interested in Disability Pride Month in July will find natural connections with Deaf History Month’s themes of identity and advocacy.
Noteworthy Facts About Deaf History Month
- Gallaudet University, founded in 1864, remains the only university in the world where all programmes and services are specifically designed for Deaf and hard of hearing students.
- The “Deaf President Now” (DPN) protests in March 1988 at Gallaudet University led to the appointment of I. King Jordan as the institution’s first Deaf president — a watershed moment in Deaf rights.
- The American School for the Deaf, established in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1817, was the first permanent school for Deaf students in the United States.
- The National Association of the Deaf, established in 1880, is one of the oldest civil rights organisations in the country.
- Approximately 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss, with roughly 1 million being functionally deaf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deaf History Month?
Deaf History Month is an annual April observance that celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of the Deaf community in the United States. It is coordinated by the National Association of the Deaf and marked by educational events, cultural programming, and advocacy activities.
When is Deaf History Month in 2026?
Deaf History Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Why was Deaf History Month moved to April 1–30?
The NAD Board voted to shift the observance from the original March 13 – April 15 dates to April 1–30 in order to simplify the calendar, align with a single month, and broaden the focus to include all parts of the Deaf community, including marginalised groups whose stories were not always centred in earlier observances.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Deaf History Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #DeafHistoryMonth and #DeafHistoryMonth2026 on social media. The more people who learn about Deaf culture and history, the more inclusive our communities become.
Related Awareness Days
- Disability Pride Month — Celebrated in July, this month honours the history and achievements of people with disabilities, including the Deaf community.
- Autism Awareness Month — Also held in April, this month promotes understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity, sharing Deaf History Month’s commitment to inclusion.
- World Voice Day — Observed on 16 April, this day celebrates the human voice in all its forms, including the visual language of ASL.
Links
- National Association of the Deaf — Deaf History Month
- Gallaudet University
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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