Every community has its heroes—pioneers who push boundaries, inspire change, and pave the way for future generations. The Deaf community is no exception. Deaf History Month, observed from March 13 to April 15 each year, is more than just a time to raise awareness. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and truly honor the remarkable individuals who have shaped Deaf culture, language, rights, and education.
But how much do we really know about these figures? And why is it so important to keep their stories alive? Let’s discuss.
What Is Deaf History Month?
First, let’s get to the roots. Deaf History Month is not a random 30-day window—it holds deep significance tied to key milestones in the advancement of Deaf rights in the United States. Three main dates stand out:
- March 13, 1988: The successful conclusion of the “Deaf President Now” protest at Gallaudet University.
- April 8, 1864: The signing of Gallaudet University’s charter by President Abraham Lincoln.
- April 15, 1817: The establishment of the first permanent school for the Deaf in the U.S.—the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut.
These events reflect a broader narrative of advocacy, achievement, and empowerment. Deaf History Month shines a spotlight on that legacy.
Why Does Deaf History Matter?
Imagine a world where your language isn’t recognized, your culture is misunderstood, and your access to education is restricted. For many Deaf individuals, that was the norm for centuries. Honoring Deaf history isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go.
It raises the question: How can we build a more inclusive future without honoring the past?
Let’s take a moment to meet some of the key figures whose contributions helped shift the tide.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet: The Foundation Builder
Let’s start with someone whose name is practically synonymous with Deaf education—Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet. In the early 1800s, Gallaudet met a young Deaf girl named Alice Cogswell. Struck by her isolation, he made it his mission to learn how to teach Deaf children.
His journey led him to Europe, where he studied teaching methods at schools for the Deaf. He returned to the U.S. with French Deaf educator Laurent Clerc, and together, they established the American School for the Deaf in 1817.
Gallaudet’s work laid the foundation for formal Deaf education in America. But did you know that he was also instrumental in bringing sign language into the classroom? His efforts helped legitimize American Sign Language (ASL) as a primary form of communication—something that is still debated in educational settings today.
Laurent Clerc: The First Deaf Teacher in America
While Gallaudet built the bridge, Laurent Clerc walked across it with immense courage. Born in France and Deaf from an early age, Clerc overcame societal limitations and became a teacher at the Institut National des Jeunes Sourds de Paris.
When he came to America, Clerc not only co-founded the American School for the Deaf but also became the first Deaf teacher in the U.S. His presence challenged stereotypes and opened doors for future Deaf educators. Clerc’s commitment to bilingual education—teaching through both sign language and written English—helped preserve Deaf culture in an era where oralism (the teaching of speech and lip reading over sign language) was gaining traction.
Isn’t it fascinating how one person’s decision to cross an ocean could influence generations of learners?
Helen Keller: Breaking Multiple Barriers
Helen Keller’s story is widely known, but let’s take a deeper look. She wasn’t just Deaf—she was also blind. At just 19 months old, an illness left her without sight or hearing. Yet with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate using tactile sign language and braille.
Keller went on to become the first Deafblind person to earn a college degree. But she didn’t stop there—she became a published author, political activist, and international lecturer. Her advocacy extended to disability rights, women’s suffrage, and workers’ rights.
What makes Keller’s story especially powerful is not just what she achieved, but how she changed perceptions about people with disabilities. She didn’t fit into the box society had prepared for her—and she made sure others didn’t have to, either.
William “Dummy” Hoy: The Baseball Legend
Let’s pivot to the world of sports. William “Dummy” Hoy (a nickname considered respectful in his time, though it wouldn’t be used today) was one of the first Deaf Major League Baseball players. He played from 1888 to 1902 and racked up over 2,000 hits.
Hoy was known for his incredible base-stealing abilities, strong arm, and strategic mind. Because he couldn’t hear umpires’ calls, he often relied on hand signals—a system that some believe helped inspire the use of visual signals in baseball today.
Hoy’s legacy goes beyond the field. He proved that Deaf athletes could thrive in professional sports—a message that continues to resonate.
Marlee Matlin: Changing the Face of Hollywood
Fast forward to 1986. That’s the year Marlee Matlin became the first (and still the only) Deaf actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actress—for her role in Children of a Lesser God.
Her career has since spanned decades, with roles in television, film, and advocacy work. Matlin is a passionate supporter of captioning and accessibility in entertainment, and she’s been vocal about increasing Deaf representation in media. Services like https://www.innocaption.com have also played a role in enhancing real-time accessibility for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, especially when it comes to phone communication.
In an industry where Deaf roles were often played by hearing actors, Matlin’s success opened doors for authentic representation.
Think about it—how often do we see Deaf characters on screen? How many of those roles are played by actual Deaf actors?
Thanks to pioneers like Matlin, that narrative is changing.
Claudia Gordon: The Trailblazer in Government
Have you heard of Claudia Gordon? If not, she’s someone you’ll want to know. Gordon is the first Deaf Black female attorney in the United States. Born in Jamaica, she moved to the U.S. after becoming Deaf at eight.
Gordon didn’t just break barriers in education and law and became a White House advisor during the Obama administration, focusing on disability policy.
Her work shines a light on the intersectionality of race, gender, and disability—a topic that’s often underrepresented in mainstream conversations. Gordon has continuously advocated for equal access, especially in employment and public services.
The Ongoing Fight for Inclusion
While we celebrate the accomplishments of these trailblazers, it’s important to remember that the fight isn’t over. Deaf individuals still face significant barriers—from limited access to interpreters and captioning to employment discrimination.
Deaf History Month is a reminder to keep pushing for progress. That includes advocating for:
- Language access: Ensuring ASL interpreters are available in schools, hospitals, and public spaces.
- Inclusive education: Supporting bilingual Deaf education programs.
- Workplace accommodations: Promoting fair hiring practices and communication tools for Deaf employees.
- Media representation: Encouraging authentic storytelling by and about Deaf people.
What role can you play in this movement?
How Can You Celebrate Deaf History Month?
Now that we’ve discussed the incredible individuals who shaped Deaf history, let’s talk about what you can do.
Here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate:
- Learn basic ASL – Start with fingerspelling your name. It’s a small gesture that speaks volumes.
- Support Deaf creators – Follow Deaf influencers, artists, and business owners on social media.
- Watch films featuring Deaf actors – CODA, Sound of Metal, and A Quiet Place are great places to start.
- Attend Deaf events – Whether virtual or in person, connecting with the community matters.
- Educate others – Share what you’ve learned. Spread awareness in your schools, offices, or social circles.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
History is not just something we read about in books. It’s a living, breathing force that shapes our present and future. Deaf History Month reminds us to honor the resilience, brilliance, and humanity of a community that has long been overlooked.
So, here’s a question: What will you do to carry these stories forward?
Whether it’s learning ASL, watching a Deaf-led performance, or simply being more inclusive in your daily life, every action counts.
Let’s discuss. Let’s reflect. Let’s amplify the voices that history tried to silence.
Because when we listen—not just with our ears, but with our hearts—we begin to understand.
