Celebrate Deaf History Month and the accomplishments of people who are deaf and hard of hearing with us this April! The commemoration marks key dates for the nation's deaf community, including:

• April 15, 1817: American School for the Deaf was opened as the first public school.

• April 8, 1864: Gallaudet University was founded in Washington, D.C., as the world's first institution devoted to advanced education for the deaf and hard of hearing. More than 100 years later, in 1988, Gallaudet student activists organized the "Deaf President Now" demonstration. This week-long protest led to the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan, the University's first deaf president since the institution's establishment 124 years earlier.

Get involved to spread awareness and celebrate Deaf History Month. Ideas include: 

• Advocate throughout our community to eliminate communication barriers and ensure access for individuals with hearing loss

• Support deaf businesses

• Volunteer with deaf-based organizations and/or donate

• Take a sign language class

• Host an awareness event

Direct is providing staff development to enhance our team's knowledge and skills in working with hearing loss individuals and advocate for communication access in our community.

You can learn more. Check out these resources:

Community Outreach Program for the Deaf (COPD) provides services throughout Arizona to persons with hearing loss. COPD is a grassroots organization founded in 1973 by Deaf community members. Partnering with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind persons and organizations, COPD offers a "one-stop" center for persons with hearing loss.

Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing (ACDHH) is a resource for self-advocacy and community empowerment. ACDHH administers the statewide 24-hour telephone relay service (7-1-1) and serves as the state's licensing body for Sign Language Interpreters (A.R.S. 36-1946). Other work focuses on community involvement and partnerships with local agencies and organizations to expand resources.