National ASL Day

Taking place during National Deaf History Month, National ASL Day celebrates the language of American Sign Language (ASL), its related culture, and its history. It shows the importance of ASL for the deaf and hard of hearing. National ASL Day takes place on April 15 because it was on that date in 1817 when the first long-lasting school for the deaf in the United States opened, the American School for the Deaf, in Hartford, Connecticut.

American Sign Language comes from a blend of French Sign Language, Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, and Native American Signs. It is a visual language, with communication being done through hand and body movements and facial expressions. It follows the same linguistic rules as spoken languages, with its own rules for grammar, syntax, and word formation. There are dialects and regional variations. It's the primary language for deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and Canada, and it is also used in some places in Southeast Asia, West Africa, and Central Africa.

How to Observe National ASL Day

Those behind the day suggest celebrating in the following ways:

• Film your story about ASL and share it with the #ASLday hashtag.
• Host a local signing community potluck or gathering.
• Create ASL Day cards for your family and friends.
• Make artwork celebrating ASL and post it in your shop.
• Perform an ASL poem in your local deaf club.
• Photograph your favorite ASL handshape.
• Share the story of how you learned ASL with your children.
• Teach your co-workers 10 ASL words.
• Email your favorite ASL signer a note of appreciation.
• Share more ideas on your social media and with your local organizations! #ASLday.

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