Celebrating Deaf History

April is Deaf History Month! It is a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Deaf individuals throughout history. From inventors to artists, Deaf individuals have made significant contributions to society, despite facing numerous barriers and obstacles. It is important to recognize these achievements not only to honor the accomplishments of Deaf individuals but also to challenge societal perceptions and prejudices towards Deafness.

It is essential to acknowledge that Deaf individuals are still making history today, as their achievements and contributions should continue to be celebrated and recognized. These ten Deaf individuals have overcome barriers and made history in America in their respective fields.

Still Making History…

• 1

  Derrick Coleman

  Derrick Coleman became the first Deaf offensive player in the NFL when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. He has now played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. Coleman communicates with his teammates during games using sign language and lip-reading.

• 2

  Haben Girma

  Haben Girma became the first DeafBlind person to graduate from Harvard Law School in 2013. Today she advocates for disability rights and accessibility in technology and education.

• 3

  Clayton Valli

  Clayton Valli became the first person ever to achieve a doctorate in ASL poetry in 1993. He is the Deaf linguist and ASL poet who identified ASL poetry as a literary genre, paving the way for future Deaf poets to express themselves in their native language.

• 4

  Claudia L. Gordon

  Claudia L. Gordon made history in 2000 when she became the first female Deaf Black attorney in the United States. She has worked as a senior policy advisor for the Department of Homeland Security, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, advocating for civil rights for all individuals, including those who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing.

• 5

  Vint Cerf

  Vint Cerf, known as one of the “fathers of the internet,” co-invented the TCP/IP protocol, which paved the way for the invention of the internet we use today. He has worked at NASA and served as the Chief Internet Evangelist at Google, winning countless awards in fields such as technology and engineering.

• 6

  Marlee Matlin

  Marlee Matlin became the first Deaf individual to win an Oscar when she won best actress for Children of a Lesser God in 1986, breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. In 2022 she won a Screen Actor’s Guild award for the widely-popular film, CODA.

• 7

  Troy Kotsur

  Troy Kotsur became the first Deaf man to win an Oscar when he won best supporting actor in 2022. He was awarded for his role in CODA, the first film with a primarily Deaf cast to win Best Picture.

• 8

  Roberta Cordano

  Roberta Cordano became the first Deaf woman and the first openly LGBTQ individual to become president of Gallaudet University, the world’s only university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people. She was also recognized as one of USA Today’s Women of the Year in 2023.

• 9

  Nyle DiMarco

  Nyle DiMarco became the first Deaf contestant to win America’s Next Top Model in 2015. The following year, he became the first Deaf contestant to win Dancing with the Stars.

• 10

  Justina Miles

  Justina Miles made history as the first Deaf woman to perform ASL at the Super Bowl pre-game and halftime shows in 2023, showcasing the beauty and expressiveness of ASL on a national stage.

These ten individuals are just a few examples of the many Deaf individuals who have made history in America, proving that Deafness does not limit one’s potential for achievement and success. By breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations, they have left an indelible mark on American history and continue to inspire others to pursue their dreams.

Q&A

1. What is Deaf History Month?
Deaf History Month is observed from March 13 to April 15 each year to commemorate significant events in Deaf history. This period includes the opening of the first public school for the Deaf on April 15, 1817; the founding of Gallaudet University on April 8, 1864; and the appointment of the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University on March 13, 1988. deafservicesunlimited.com

2. Why is it important to celebrate Deaf History Month?
Celebrating Deaf History Month honors the achievements and contributions of Deaf individuals throughout history. It provides an opportunity to recognize their impact on society and to challenge societal perceptions and prejudices towards Deafness. deafservicesunlimited.com

3. Who are some notable Deaf individuals in history?
Notable Deaf individuals include:

• Derrick Coleman – First Deaf offensive player in the NFL.
• Haben Girma – First DeafBlind person to graduate from Harvard Law School.
• Clayton Valli – First person to achieve a doctorate in ASL poetry.
• Claudia L. Gordon – First female Deaf Black attorney in the U.S.
• Vint Cerf – Co-inventor of the internet’s TCP/IP protocol.
• Marlee Matlin – First Deaf individual to win an Oscar.
• Troy Kotsur – First Deaf man to win an Oscar.
• Roberta Cordano – First Deaf and openly LGBTQ president of Gallaudet University.
• Nyle DiMarco – First Deaf contestant to win America’s Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars.
• Justina Miles – First Deaf woman to perform ASL at the Super Bowl.
  

4. How can I participate in Deaf History Month?
You can participate by attending events, reading books and articles about Deaf history, watching films featuring Deaf culture, and supporting Deaf artists and creators. Engaging with the Deaf community and learning about their history fosters greater understanding and appreciation. deafservicesunlimited.com

5. Where can I learn more about Deaf history?
To learn more about Deaf history, you can visit the Deaf Services Unlimited website, which offers resources, articles, and information about Deaf culture and history. Additionally, local libraries, museums, and online platforms provide educational materials and events related to Deaf history. deafservicesunlimited.com

Q&A

1. What is Deaf History Month and when is it observed?
   Deaf History Month is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of Deaf individuals. It was originally observed from March 13 to April 15 but has shifted to be celebrated during all of April to include a broader range of Deaf history and experiences.
2. What are the key historical events honored during Deaf History Month?
   Some pivotal events include the opening of the first public school for the Deaf in 1817, the founding of Gallaudet University in 1864, and the Deaf President Now movement in 1988 which led to the appointment of Gallaudet’s first Deaf president.
3. Who are some Deaf individuals making history today?
   Contemporary Deaf people doing remarkable work include Derrick Coleman (first Deaf offensive NFL player), Haben Girma (first DeafBlind Harvard Law graduate), Marlee Matlin and Troy Kotsur (award-winning actors), and others who are breaking barriers in education, law, arts, and technology.
4. Why is celebrating Deaf history important?
   Celebrating Deaf history helps challenge stereotypes, promote understanding, and recognize the cultural, scientific, artistic, and societal contributions Deaf people have made and continue to make.
5. How can individuals get involved in celebrating Deaf history?
   Ways to participate include reading books by Deaf authors, attending events and lectures about Deaf history, supporting Deaf creators, educating yourself on Deaf culture, and amplifying stories of both historical and current Deaf trailblazers.