National Deaf History Month is now celebrated from April 1-April 30th  to celebrate all aspects of Deaf Culture, and still honors its academic beginning in 1996 when two Deaf employees at Martin Luther King Library in DC began teaching their colleagues American Sign Language.  (UMBC has American Sign Language courses throughout the year, and Sign of  Life is the student organization for people who are learning/know ASL) April 8, 1864 was when Gallaudet University-the world's first institution of higher education for the Deaf and hard of hearing,  April 15th, 1817 is when the American School for the Deaf - the first public school of its kind - opened. 

Recent history includes the 2021 movie CODA winning Best Picture and Deaf actor Troy Kotsur, winning Best Actor at the Oscars, among other Oscars that night and SAG awards for best cast. Troy Kotsur was a presenter at the 2023 Oscars.  Marlee Matlin, who made history when she won her first Oscar in 1987, played a pivotal role in advocating for CODA's predominantly Deaf cast.  Perhaps some of UMBC's students and alumni will be influenced by this history-making, if-you-can-see-it-you-can-be-it moment? 

While UMBC has a solid cadre and network of ASL interpreters, there is an ASL interpreter shortage (more information linked here), which underscores the need for event planners to know what accommodations their attendees may need.  This can be as simple as including:  "If you have access needs, please email (event contact email).  UMBC event planners would then immediately fill out the form in the link below based on planned ASL interpreter use. 

UMBC Students, faculty and staff can learn more about UMBC's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services here.  If you would like to explore American Sign Language at your convenience, ASLU via Lifeprint is a robust resource.

P.S.  April is also Sexual Assault Awareness Month - The Women's Center is hosting a number of events to raise awareness, and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable.  For intersectionality, we're including an article on Navigating Sex and Consent as a Hard of Hearing Person.