Ways You Celebrate Deaf Awareness Month
For those who know me, you understand that deaf awareness month is personal and special for me. My sweet Beckett was born deaf. Most people wouldn’t even know he was deaf because of the way he talks and communicates with those around him. He was born with Connexin 26 which is the most common form of sensorineural hearing loss in children. We opted for cochlear implants when he was just over a year old, so when he is wearing his devices he is able to hear just like the rest of us. Rest assured though, we don’t forget the fact that when he is not wearing his devices, he is 100% deaf. He cannot hear a thing without them. We also understand how important it is to celebrate his deafness and all that the deaf community has to offer our son.
So, in honor of Deaf Awareness Month (and our awesome son), here are some ways to help celebrate!
Host or Attend a Deaf Awareness Event
There are dedicated organizations who focus on putting together events for deaf or hard of hearing individuals and sometimes their families. Locally, there is an event at a Zoo this weekend. Look in your area to see what services are doing to plan events specifically for deaf and hard of hearing individuals!
Read Books Written by Deaf Authors
Here are a few popular deaf authors with their books!
Provide Access (sign language interpreters + captioning) at your events, v-blogs or online events.
When posting to social or hosting events, consider hiring a sign language interpreter or having captioning available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing so they’re able to easily follow along.
Host fundraisers and donate to a deaf organization
At “Aid the Silent”, their goal is Aid the Silent is advocate and support the deaf and hard of hearing community through deaf resources, deaf education, ministry and awareness. Their goal is to be a source of support to help and financially assist economically-disadvantaged deaf or hard of hearing children/teens by providing a means to acquire communications through sign language, speech and hearing aids and/or assistive communication technology with the goal of allowing deaf/hard of hearing children to develop.
Donate here
Share deaf stories and poetry by a deaf individual
I have shared Beckett’s deaf story since the beginning. I’ve advocated for him and rallied behind him to ensure he has the support he needs to be successful both in the deaf and hearing community. I’m working on a children’s book as well, so stay tuned!
Support a deaf owned business and support artists
Just google them. They are everywhere. Here is one I found that has really cute apparel!
I’ve learned so much since becoming a parent of a deaf child. It’s been just as rewarding as it has been overwhelming, and I encourage everyone to get involved in deaf awareness month and learn as much as you can about the deaf culture and community. It’s truly amazing. Plus, deaf kids rock!
