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Get ready to celebrate National American Sign Language (ASL) Day on April 15! This special day honors the language and culture of the Deaf community, as well as raises awareness for the importance of accessibility and inclusion. ASL has a rich history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was first recognized as a legitimate language. Today, it is used by millions of people around the world and continues to evolve and adapt with modern technology. So let's celebrate this beautiful and meaningful language that connects individuals from all walks of life!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1817</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of ASL</div><div class='timeline-text'>American School for the Deaf was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. Here, a unique sign language organically developed among students, forming the basis of what we now know as ASL.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1960</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition of ASL</div><div class='timeline-text'>William Stokoe, a scholar and hearing professor at Gallaudet University, published a dissertation proving that ASL is a bona fide language with its own grammar and syntax.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1988</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Deaf President Now</div><div class='timeline-text'>The successful Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University highlighted the importance of ASL and Deaf culture, leading to the appointment of the first deaf president of the university.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>ASL in High Schools</div><div class='timeline-text'>The College Board announced that ASL could fulfill high school foreign language requirements for college admission, a significant recognition for ASL.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National ASL Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National ASL Day was celebrated on April 15, launched to honor ASL, those who use it, and their contributions to culture and society.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn basic ASL signs</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn basic American Sign Language (ASL) signs. You can find online tutorials or attend a local workshop to learn common phrases and the alphabet in ASL.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an ASL event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local community events for any ASL celebrations or gatherings. Attend these events to learn more about ASL, meet people in the deaf community, and celebrate this important day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch ASL performances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Search for ASL performances online or in your area. These performances can include storytelling, poetry, music, and more, all expressed through ASL. It's a beautiful and creative way to celebrate National ASL Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an ASL game night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for an ASL game night. Choose games that involve signing or create your own using ASL signs. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate National ASL Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support organizations for the deaf community</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use National ASL Day as an opportunity to support organizations that advocate for the rights and needs of the deaf community. You can donate to these organizations or volunteer your time to support their cause.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>ASL is a beautiful and important language</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to communicate. It's not just a tool for the deaf and hard of hearing - it's a distinct language with its own grammar, structure, and artistic elements that make it unique and beautiful.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes inclusivity and accessibility</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>ASL enables people who are deaf or hard of hearing to communicate effectively, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity. By celebrating National ASL Day, we are also celebrating the value of inclusivity and spreading awareness about the importance of accessibility for all individuals.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>ASL connects us to Deaf culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to being a language, ASL is also deeply rooted in Deaf culture. By learning ASL or participating in National ASL Day, we can connect with this vibrant and diverse community, learn about their history, experiences, traditions, and unique perspectives.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ASL is the Third Most Common Language in the U.S.</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to Gallaudet University, after English and Spanish, ASL is the third most-used language in the United States.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ASL has its own dialects</h3><p class='facts-content'>Like spoken languages, ASL has regional accents and dialects. Signs may vary significantly in different regions of the country, reflecting the unique influence of local Deaf communities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ASL Doesn't Use Written Forms Like Other Languages</h3><p class='facts-content'>While many languages have a spoken and written form, ASL is primarily a visual-gestural language. It doesn't have a written equivalent; instead, it's recorded and communicated via video or through a notation system called "gloss."</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ASL is Distinct from British Sign Language (BSL)</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite the countries sharing a spoken language, American Sign Language and British Sign Language are not mutually intelligible. ASL is more closely related to French Sign Language (LSF).</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ASL is recognized as a foreign language at many universities</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many universities across the United States accept ASL in fulfillment of foreign language requirements for graduation, further affirming its status as a legitimate and complex language.</p></div></div>
National ASL Day is celebrated on April 15 every year. In 2024 National ASL Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 15
Saturday
2024
Apr 15
Monday
2025
Apr 15
Tuesday
2026
Apr 15
Wednesday
2027
Apr 15
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