National ASL Day

American Sign Language (ASL) Day is a special observance dedicated to recognizing and celebrating American Sign Language, the primary language used by the Deaf community in the United States and parts of Canada. This day honors the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of ASL and its importance in fostering communication and understanding between Deaf and hearing communities.

Quick Facts

When is it?: April 15th annually

Tagged as: Cultural observance, Educational awareness day

What’s the hashtag?: #NationalASLDay #ASLDay #ASLAwareness

When was it founded?: 2017

Who founded it?: National Association of the Deaf (NAD) in collaboration with other Deaf advocacy organizations

History

National ASL Day commemorates the establishment of the first permanent school for the Deaf in America – the American School for the Deaf (ASD) – which opened its doors on April 15, 1817. This milestone marked the beginning of formal ASL education in the United States and laid the foundation for Deaf education across the country.

Timeline

1817: Opening of American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut
1864: Establishment of Gallaudet University, the world’s first university for the Deaf
1960: William Stokoe publishes groundbreaking research proving ASL is a complete language
2017: First official celebration of National ASL Day
2020: Increased awareness of ASL through virtual platforms during global pandemic

Dates by Next Year (2025-2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	April 15	Tuesday
2026	April 15	Wednesday
2027	April 15	Thursday
2028	April 15	Saturday
2029	April 15	Sunday
2030	April 15	Monday

Observed

National ASL Day is celebrated through various events including workshops, performances, educational seminars, and community gatherings. Schools, universities, and Deaf organizations often host special programs to promote ASL awareness and education.

Fun Facts About ASL

ASL is the third most used language in the United States
There are distinct ASL accents and regional variations
ASL is not universal – different countries have their own sign languages
Many signs have fascinating etymological histories
Facial expressions are grammatically essential in ASL

Quiz

When was the first school for the Deaf established in America?
What university is known as the world’s first institution for Deaf education?
Is ASL universal across all countries?
What is the significance of facial expressions in ASL?

(Answers: 1. 1817, 2. Gallaudet University, 3. No, each country has its own sign language, 4. They are grammatically essential components)

FAQs

Q: Is ASL just English on the hands?
A: No, ASL is a distinct language with its own grammar, syntax, and structure.

Q: How long does it take to learn ASL?
A: Like any language, proficiency varies by individual, but basic communication can be learned in 3-6 months.

Q: Do all Deaf people use ASL?
A: No, not all Deaf people use ASL. Some may use different sign languages or other communication methods.

Importance

National ASL Day serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about Deaf culture and promoting the recognition of ASL as a legitimate language. It helps bridge communication gaps between Deaf and hearing communities while celebrating the unique linguistic and cultural aspects of the Deaf community.