April is National Deaf History Month, a wonderful opportunity to highlight the importance of inclusivity and equal accessibility for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or experiencing hearing loss within local communities. Below is some background on Deaf History Month, some great books to check out, and helpful resources for more information on Deaf Culture and the Deaf Community.

Background on Deaf History Month
The National Association of the Deaf first introduced National Deaf History Month in 1997, and in 2006, the American Library Association partnered with NAD in supporting and spreading awareness of this celebration. Here's a little history on Deaf History Month and some resources for learning more.

April 15, 1817 — The American School for the Deaf, the first public permanent school for deaf children in the United States, was opened. Located in West Hartford, Connecticut, the school is a nationally renowned leader in providing comprehensive educational programs and services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

April 8, 1864 — Gallaudet University, the first and only higher education institution for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, was founded. Gallaudet, a private federally chartered research university in Washington, DC, is the only university in the world where students live and learn using American Sign Language and English.

For more history and information about Deaf History Month, check out Encyclopedia Britannica: History of the Deaf & People and Events in Deaf History.

Book Recommendations

For more recommendations, check out this book list from Boston Public Library!

Databases & Other Resources
Wilmington Commission on Disabilities

The goal of the WCOD is to allow for the full and equal participation by people with disabilities in all activities. Meetings are in the evening every other month. The WCOD works with Town Residents, Local Businesses, and Town Departments to provide information, referrals, advocacy, technical assistance, and community access monitoring to the Town of Wilmington.

Click Here for More Information

Lifeprint (ASLU)
ASLU is an online American Sign Language curriculum resource center that has been offering online instruction since 1997. ASLU provides many free self-study materials, lessons, and information as well as formal tuition-based courses. ASLU offers a variety of publicly available self-study options on Lifeprint.com.

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DEAF, Inc.
Founded in 1977, DEAF, Inc. is the only Massachusetts community-based, multi-service nonprofit run by and for Deaf (Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened) adults. DEAF, Inc. is founded on the principle of self-determination and the rights of Deaf people to identify their own goals and follow through on achieving them, taking increasingly independent charge of their lives.

DEAF, Inc.'s community-focused agency provides programs, advocacy, education, and community events for the Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened communities.

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Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
MCDHH provides accessible communication, education, and advocacy to consumers and private and public entities so that programs, services, and opportunities throughout Massachusetts are fully accessible to persons who are deaf and hard of hearing.

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