Deaf History Month takes place in April every year. It’s a time to raise awareness about the deaf community and their struggles in our society. The month also focuses on honoring the immense contributions of deaf individuals and the deaf community to our country. During this month, we also get to learn more about the ongoing advocacy work many organizations undertake to make life easier and more inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Many deaf and hard-of-hearing people often struggle with stigma in our society. Deaf History Month offers the right opportunity to speak up for them and advocate for their inclusion and accessibility in our communities.
National Deaf History Month raises awareness about the deaf and hearing-impaired community. With proper awareness, we can share and celebrate their culture and celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.
Some Facts About Hearing Loss:
- One in every three people over 65 — about 165 million people worldwide — struggles with hearing loss.
- About 38 million Americans — roughly 12% of the U.S. population — have a significant hearing loss.
- Roughly 32 million people affected by hearing loss worldwide are children under the age of 15.
- Repeated exposure to loud noise — 85 decibels or higher — is the leading cause of hearing loss.
- Many notable figures — Halle Berry, Thomas Edison, Brian Wilson, Barbra Streisand, and Ludwig van Beethoven — have all struggled with hearing loss.
Art: International sign for "I love you."