Deaf Culture Articles

Deaf Awareness Week 2016

Deaf Awareness Week 2016

By Jillian Winn
Sunday, September 18, 2016

Deaf Awareness Week this year is September 19-25, 2016. Deaf Awareness Week, also called International Week of the Deaf (IWD), is celebrated annually and ends with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of September. Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated by national and regional associations of the deaf, local communities, and individuals worldwide. The purpose of Deaf Awareness Week is to increase public awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture.  Activities and events throughout Deaf Awareness Week encourage individuals to come together ...
Living Loud: Terence Parkin - Olympic Swimmer

Living Loud: Terence Parkin - Olympic Swimmer

By Marta Belsky
Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Terence Parkin was an Olympic Swimmer. Read the article to learn more about the life and accomplishments of this amazing Deaf man.
12 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Helen Keller

12 Facts You Probably Don’t Know About Helen Keller

By Jillian Winn
Monday, June 27, 2016

Helen Keller became deaf and blind at 19 months old. She was famous from the age of 8 for her experience of overcoming great obstacles in order to learn to communicate. This early part of her life is the most well-known, but the story doesn’t end there. Helen would go on to become not only well educated, but famous in her own right as an author and activist. She has even been said to be one of the 20th century's ...
The Meaning Behind Champion Nyle Dimarco’s Freestyle Dance on the Dancing with the Stars Finale

The Meaning Behind Champion Nyle Dimarco’s Freestyle Dance on the Dancing with the Stars Finale

By Jillian Winn
Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Nyle chose a special song, with a special meaning, for his freestyle dance on the finale of Dancing with the Stars. He chose the song “Sound of Silence” covered by the heavy metal band Disturbed and originally by Simon and Garfunkel. Nyle and dance partner Peta worked with contemporary choreographer Talia Favia to make the dance a moving performance focused on storytelling. Nyle said, “Our dance together is for million’s of deaf people, this dance needs to reflect all of them.” I CANT BELIEVE IT! WE WON! WE WON THE MIRROR BALL!!! This is for 70 million Deaf people in the world! Thank you all for your CONTINUING SUPPORT. @petamurgatroyd YOU ARE AMAZING. Thank you for embracing this journey with me. Thank you for pushing me and believing in me. I love ...
Living Loud: Juliette Gordon Low - Founder of the Girl Scouts and Philanthropist

Living Loud: Juliette Gordon Low - Founder of the Girl Scouts and Philanthropist

By Marta Belsky
Thursday, March 10, 2016

Juliette Gordon Low was Founder of the Girl Scouts and Philanthropist. Read the article to learn more about the life and accomplishments of this amazing deaf woman.
America’s Next Top Model Winner “Just Happens To Be Deaf”

America’s Next Top Model Winner “Just Happens To Be Deaf”

By Jillian Winn
Tuesday, December 8, 2015

There are multiple reasons why 26-year-old Nyle DiMarco’s crown as the winner of American’s Next Top Model (ANTM) is significant (besides his good looks!) - he is the last winner of ANTM because this was the last season, he is only the second male winner out of 22 cycles, and he is Deaf.
Short Film from CNN Highlights a Deaf All-American Family

Short Film from CNN Highlights a Deaf All-American Family

By Jillian Winn
Monday, November 23, 2015

With Thanksgiving this week, this short film from CNN does a nice job of highlighting what many of us are most thankful for - family. The short film, called “All-American Family” shares the story of the Pedersen family, a deaf family with deaf parents, two deaf sons, and one hearing son. It gives a glimpse into Deaf culture and what living in a Deaf family and Deaf community is like.
Deaf Awareness Week 2015

Deaf Awareness Week 2015

By Jillian Winn
Sunday, September 20, 2015

Deaf Awareness Week this year is September 21-27, 2015. Deaf Awareness Week, also called International Week of the Deaf (IWD), is celebrated annually and ends with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of September. Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated by national and regional associations of the deaf, local communities, and individuals worldwide. The purpose of Deaf Awareness Week is to increase public awareness of deaf issues, people, and culture.  Activities and events throughout Deaf Awareness Week encourage individuals ...
Tweet Explained: Don't make up signs

Tweet Explained: Don't make up signs

We are constantly posting tips, facts, and learning resources related to sign language and Deaf culture on our Twitter @SigningSavvy. Occasionally we get questions about our tweets and explain them further with a followup article, like this one: Tip of the Day: Don't make up signs. It's an insult to ASL and the Deaf community. #Interpreters
Living Loud: Curtis Pride - Major League Baseball Player

Living Loud: Curtis Pride - Major League Baseball Player

By Marta Belsky
Monday, April 13, 2015

Curtis Pride was a Major League Baseball Player. Read the article to learn more about the life and accomplishments of this amazing Deaf man.