September is Deaf Awareness Month—a time to celebrate Deaf culture, raise awareness about the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, and advocate for equal access and inclusion. For parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, this month offers a unique opportunity to connect with your child’s identity, educate others, and embrace the rich history of the Deaf community.
In this blog post, we’ll explore ways you can celebrate Deaf Awareness Month as a family and share resources to help you on your journey.
What is Deaf Awareness Month?
Deaf Awareness Month is an international observance that aims to promote the rights and inclusion of Deaf individuals, while also recognizing the unique culture and language of the Deaf community. The month culminates with International Week of the Deaf, which typically takes place during the last full week of September. This week includes International Day of Sign Languages (September 23rd), a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of sign language in achieving the human rights of Deaf people.
Ways to Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month as a Family
- Teach Your Child About Deaf Culture Help your child connect with their identity by exploring Deaf history, traditions, and role models. Watch documentaries, read books, and engage in discussions about Deaf culture. Some great resources include:
- Books: “El Deafo” by Cece Bell and “The Deaf Musicians” by Pete Seeger.
- Films: The Silent Child, Sound and Fury, and CODA (which won Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars).
- Documentaries: Through Deaf Eyes and Deaf U (a docuseries on Netflix).
- Participate in Deaf Awareness Events Many organizations host events during Deaf Awareness Month, both in-person and virtually. Check out events at local Deaf organizations, schools for the Deaf, or national advocacy groups. Some organizations to explore include:
- Learn Sign Language Together Whether your child is learning American Sign Language (ASL) or another sign language, Deaf Awareness Month is a great time to practice as a family. You can find online ASL courses, apps, and tutorials to help you get started:
- ASL University (Lifeprint) offers free ASL lessons online.
- SignSchool provides interactive ASL learning through a web-based platform.
- ASL App is a mobile app with videos teaching ASL vocabulary and phrases.
- Support Deaf-Owned Businesses Show your support for the Deaf community by shopping at Deaf-owned businesses. From clothing brands to art studios, there are plenty of ways to shop while giving back to the community. You can find directories of Deaf-owned businesses on sites like:
- Advocate for Accessibility and Inclusion Deaf Awareness Month is a powerful time to advocate for accessibility in your community. This could involve ensuring your child’s school has the necessary accommodations in place, speaking up for captioning at public events, or even raising awareness about the importance of sign language interpreters in healthcare settings.
Resources for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Navigating parenthood with a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child comes with unique challenges, but you don’t have to do it alone. In addition to our resources through BEGINNINGS, there are several organizations that also provide educational and parent advocacy resources. Here are some helpful organizations:
- BEGINNINGS for Parents of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Inc.: Our non-profit organization provides support and resources for parents with Deaf or Hard of Hearing children throughout the state of North Carolina, including educational advocacy, counseling, and family support services.
- North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDSDHH): Offers services and resources to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals and their families across North Carolina, including communication support, advocacy, and assistive technology.
- National Association of the Deaf (NAD): Provides a wealth of resources for parents, including information on early intervention, education rights, and communication options.
- Hands & Voices: A parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, regardless of communication method.
- Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP): Offers free access to a library of captioned educational media, which can be an excellent resource for children with hearing loss.
Join the Celebration
Deaf Awareness Month is a time to celebrate, learn, and advocate. Whether you’re diving into Deaf culture, practicing ASL as a family, or participating in local events, your involvement helps make a difference in raising awareness and promoting inclusion. Let’s come together to honor and uplift the Deaf community throughout September and beyond!
Here at BEGINNINGS, we support parents of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing all year long by providing essential guidance and resources through our team of Parent Educators. We collaborate with a wide range of professionals, including pediatricians, audiologists, psychologists, teachers, and school system officials, to ensure that families receive comprehensive support.
Our organization joins a family after their child’s identification and remains a constant in their lives as their child grows and transitions into adulthood. We provide families the resources they need so they can make informed decisions for their children, and we help them understand their rights and their children’s rights.
Discover how our Parent Educators can assist your family by visiting https://ncbegin.org/.
