Deaf Culture:
Libraries Connect Communities
A Tool Kit: 2023 and Beyond
DRAFT: as of December 22, 2022
The Nation’s Libraries
Coordinator: Alice L. Hagemeyer, Founder
Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action (FOLDA)
www.foldadeaf.net
Coordinator: Alice L. Hagemeyer, Founder
Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action (FOLDA)
www.foldadeaf.net
In collaboration with Bridging Deaf Cultures (BDC),
an interest group of the American Library Association
Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
an interest group of the American Library Association
Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services (ODLOS)
The primary focus is building support for the nation’s libraries to work with Organizations Serving the Deaf (OSD) in forming a Deaf Cultural Digital Library (DCDL).
www.ala.org/aboutala/diversity/interest-groups
About Alice L. Hagemeyer
ALA honorary member in 2007 and Gallaudet visionary leader in 2014.
www.ala.org/news/news/pressreleases2007/march2007/hm07
www.gallaudet.edu/museum/celebrating-150-years/visionary-leader-january-2014-alice-lougee-hagemeyer
For library friends with an interest to keep up with this tool kit progress:
Please register via email: Ohio FOLDA at FOLDA1974@gmail.com.
Your name, email address, and state you live and/or work in.
For ALA connect, librarians, the library staff, and others with expertise in deaf culture, American history, and library resources: Please email Alicia Deal, chair of BDC, an interest group of the ALA ODLOS if you want to be involved with the work progress of 2023 Tool Kit: Email: alicia.deal@dallas.gov
Your name, email address and the state you live and/or work in.
This toolkit is a work in progress. NOT FINAL, INPUT Welcome.
May 2023 is the GOAL: the last draft before the ALA 2023 Annual ALA Conference and Exhibition, held in Chicago, June 22-27, 2023
www.ala.org/aboutala/diversity/interest-groups
About Alice L. Hagemeyer
ALA honorary member in 2007 and Gallaudet visionary leader in 2014.
www.ala.org/news/news/pressreleases2007/march2007/hm07
www.gallaudet.edu/museum/celebrating-150-years/visionary-leader-january-2014-alice-lougee-hagemeyer
For library friends with an interest to keep up with this tool kit progress:
Please register via email: Ohio FOLDA at FOLDA1974@gmail.com.
Your name, email address, and state you live and/or work in.
For ALA connect, librarians, the library staff, and others with expertise in deaf culture, American history, and library resources: Please email Alicia Deal, chair of BDC, an interest group of the ALA ODLOS if you want to be involved with the work progress of 2023 Tool Kit: Email: alicia.deal@dallas.gov
Your name, email address and the state you live and/or work in.
This toolkit is a work in progress. NOT FINAL, INPUT Welcome.
May 2023 is the GOAL: the last draft before the ALA 2023 Annual ALA Conference and Exhibition, held in Chicago, June 22-27, 2023
No. 1 Annual Deaf events
(Words may be used for Public Release and Proclamation)
March 13-April 15: National Deaf History Month (NDHM)
Three most important Deaf historical dates that changed America since the early 1800s, and globally. Originally, it was called Deaf Awareness Week and was first proclaimed in November 1972 by the Colorado Governor with the Colorado Association of the Deaf involved.
September: International Week of Deaf People (IWDP)
The last week including September 23 est. in 1958, by the World Federation of the Deaf during its founding anniversary in 1951.
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages (est. 2017) *
December: Universal Human Rights Month (est. 1948 when the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. See Dec 10)
December 3-10: Clerc-Gallaudet Week (est. 1974)
December 3: International Day of People with Disabilities (est. 1992) *
December 10: International Day of Human Rights (est.1948) *
December 10: Anniversary of the birth of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet born in 1787.
December 26: Anniversary of the birth of Laurent Clerc born in 1785.
Gallaudet and Clerc were the two first visionary leaders in American Deaf Education.
*As proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nation
March 13-April 15: National Deaf History Month (NDHM)
Three most important Deaf historical dates that changed America since the early 1800s, and globally. Originally, it was called Deaf Awareness Week and was first proclaimed in November 1972 by the Colorado Governor with the Colorado Association of the Deaf involved.
- March 13, 1988: Deaf Civil Rights Victory Deaf President Now movement at Gallaudet led to the signing of "The Americans with Disabilities Act" into federal law two years later on July 26, 1990, by US President George W. Bush. Finally, after a 110-year wait from when the NAD was founded in 1880!
- April 8, 1864: Education and Leadership The signing of the charter by US President Abraham Lincoln for what today we have Gallaudet University. The Deaf of Education culture values opportunities to achieve leadership in literary, organizational, political, sports and/or other appropriate cultures.
- April 15, 1817: Language and Literary The opening of the first public school for the Deaf in Hartford, CT for what today we have American School for the Deaf. The birth of American Sign Language that Deaf students would have opportunities to learn all subjects gain citizenship and later give back. (Note. I will later add here a link about the legislation. For CT and NY)
September: International Week of Deaf People (IWDP)
The last week including September 23 est. in 1958, by the World Federation of the Deaf during its founding anniversary in 1951.
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages (est. 2017) *
December: Universal Human Rights Month (est. 1948 when the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. See Dec 10)
December 3-10: Clerc-Gallaudet Week (est. 1974)
December 3: International Day of People with Disabilities (est. 1992) *
December 10: International Day of Human Rights (est.1948) *
December 10: Anniversary of the birth of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet born in 1787.
December 26: Anniversary of the birth of Laurent Clerc born in 1785.
Gallaudet and Clerc were the two first visionary leaders in American Deaf Education.
*As proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nation
No. 2 Annual Events Proclaimed by the US President (Whitehouse.gov)
(Testing. Examples)
Criteria
1. Event, Date, Founding year, Reliable website
2. Key Organization: Acronym, Founding year, Reliable website
3. National Deaf Resources (with approval from the Key organization) (pending)
Include Collaborators, Books and YouTube videos* that the public library could use for creating appropriate cultural activities on behalf of the Deaf from family to youth to elder cultures...
*English by Eye encouraging American Sign Language and English literacy.
The videos feature Deaf presenters. ASL Access (est. 1997)
____________
1. National Black History Month. February. Est.1976.
www.blackhistorymonth.gov
2. Black Deaf Advocates. BDA. Est.1992.
www.nbda.org
3. National Deaf Resources: So far or pending
Collaborators
The Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet, CBDS. Est.2020.
www.gallaudet.edu/center-black-deaf-studies
Books
Black and Deaf in America: Are We that Different, by Ernest Hairston and Linwood Smith. 1983
YouTube videos
____________
1. Women’s History Month. March. Est.1975.
www.womenshistorymonth.gov
2. Deaf Women United. DWU. Est. 1985.
www.dwu.org
3. National Deaf Resources.
Collaborators
Books
YouTube videos
____________
1. LGBT Pride Month. June. Est._?
www.youth.gov/feature-article/june-lgbt-pride-month
2. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. RAD. Est.1977.
www.deafrad.org
NAD Section: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Section. LGBT. Est ?
www.nad.org/members/sections/lgbt-section/
3. National Deaf Resources
Collaborators
Queer Resource Center. Est 1995.
www. deafqueer.org/411/about/
Books
YouTube videos
Criteria
1. Event, Date, Founding year, Reliable website
2. Key Organization: Acronym, Founding year, Reliable website
3. National Deaf Resources (with approval from the Key organization) (pending)
Include Collaborators, Books and YouTube videos* that the public library could use for creating appropriate cultural activities on behalf of the Deaf from family to youth to elder cultures...
*English by Eye encouraging American Sign Language and English literacy.
The videos feature Deaf presenters. ASL Access (est. 1997)
____________
1. National Black History Month. February. Est.1976.
www.blackhistorymonth.gov
2. Black Deaf Advocates. BDA. Est.1992.
www.nbda.org
3. National Deaf Resources: So far or pending
Collaborators
The Center for Black Deaf Studies at Gallaudet, CBDS. Est.2020.
www.gallaudet.edu/center-black-deaf-studies
Books
Black and Deaf in America: Are We that Different, by Ernest Hairston and Linwood Smith. 1983
YouTube videos
____________
1. Women’s History Month. March. Est.1975.
www.womenshistorymonth.gov
2. Deaf Women United. DWU. Est. 1985.
www.dwu.org
3. National Deaf Resources.
Collaborators
Books
YouTube videos
____________
1. LGBT Pride Month. June. Est._?
www.youth.gov/feature-article/june-lgbt-pride-month
2. Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf. RAD. Est.1977.
www.deafrad.org
NAD Section: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Section. LGBT. Est ?
www.nad.org/members/sections/lgbt-section/
3. National Deaf Resources
Collaborators
Queer Resource Center. Est 1995.
www. deafqueer.org/411/about/
Books
YouTube videos
No. 3 Three Important National Organizations Serving the Deaf for all states: Nonprofits, membership. Affiliates
Criteria
Organizational name, acronym, founding date. website, and items of interest.
____________
1. Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) est. 1868. www.ceasd.org
Formed four years after President Lincoln signed the charter for Gallaudet on April 8, 1864. Membership is open to all schools, educational programs, program centers, universities, and governmental units providing for the educational needs of the Deaf. Unfortunately, not all deaf schools have CEASD accreditations. www.ceasd.org/accreditation
CEASD is also an organizational affiliate of the NAD. CEASD has a home office, an Executive Director, and staff.
____________
2. National Association of the Deaf (NAD) est. August 25, 1880. www.nad.org
NAD is a federation of state associations and organizational and corporate affiliates.
NAD has a home office, a CEO, and staff. It has 8 membership sections:
www.nad.org/members/section
____________
3. National Association of State Agencies Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) was officially incorporated in Delaware on June 18, 2010.
Not all states have such an agency. Some include services for the Deaf Blind. Must maintain a directory of the Deaf in education, organizational, and leisure cultures. Unlike CEASD and NAD, NASADHH does not have a national home office or staff. Maryland is the only state that has the DCDL signed into law. Will add a link.
Organizational name, acronym, founding date. website, and items of interest.
____________
1. Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf (CEASD) est. 1868. www.ceasd.org
Formed four years after President Lincoln signed the charter for Gallaudet on April 8, 1864. Membership is open to all schools, educational programs, program centers, universities, and governmental units providing for the educational needs of the Deaf. Unfortunately, not all deaf schools have CEASD accreditations. www.ceasd.org/accreditation
CEASD is also an organizational affiliate of the NAD. CEASD has a home office, an Executive Director, and staff.
____________
2. National Association of the Deaf (NAD) est. August 25, 1880. www.nad.org
NAD is a federation of state associations and organizational and corporate affiliates.
NAD has a home office, a CEO, and staff. It has 8 membership sections:
www.nad.org/members/section
- DeafBlind
- Deaf Culture and History
- Education
- Interpreter
- LGBT
- People of Colors
- Senior Citizens
- Youth
____________
3. National Association of State Agencies Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NASADHH) was officially incorporated in Delaware on June 18, 2010.
Not all states have such an agency. Some include services for the Deaf Blind. Must maintain a directory of the Deaf in education, organizational, and leisure cultures. Unlike CEASD and NAD, NASADHH does not have a national home office or staff. Maryland is the only state that has the DCDL signed into law. Will add a link.
No. 4 Organizations Serving the Deaf: International, National, State, Regional, County, Provincial, and Local
Some have a national home office, staff, and elected board.
Some share deaf cultural resources and connect with the state government.
Not all states have a such connection.
Criteria: Organizational name, acronym, founding year, reliable website, Items of Interest
In alphabetical order:
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) est. 1937.
www.aadb.org
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) est. 1973
www.asia-spinalinjury.org
The Arc For People with Intellectual and Developments Disabilities (IDD) est. 1950. thearc.org
Librarians, workers, and partners having such programming and service expertise related to such groups, may share Deaf Cultural stories. Will add deaf cultural links.
Some share deaf cultural resources and connect with the state government.
Not all states have a such connection.
Criteria: Organizational name, acronym, founding year, reliable website, Items of Interest
In alphabetical order:
American Association of the Deaf-Blind (AADB) est. 1937.
www.aadb.org
American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) est. 1973
www.asia-spinalinjury.org
The Arc For People with Intellectual and Developments Disabilities (IDD) est. 1950. thearc.org
Librarians, workers, and partners having such programming and service expertise related to such groups, may share Deaf Cultural stories. Will add deaf cultural links.
No. 5 Definitions (Terminologies) Ongoing
Deaf/deaf
Partially or wholly lacking the sense of hearing (adj).
The capitalized Deaf shall be used in an all-inclusive manner that people may identify as deaf, hard of hearing, late-deafened, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, or related.
Deaf may be used as the noun. E.g., Schools for the Deaf and the Deaf of many cultures.
Deaf Culture
The shared arts, customs, folklore, history, language, traditions, and values of a group of people. The Deaf of many cultures from family to popular to leisure.
The Deaf Community
It consists of the Deaf of many cultures:
* American, Disability, Education, Ethnic, Family, Language, Leisure, Literacy, Mental Health, Orphan, Popular, Prison, Sports, War, and others.
* Hearing parents, family members, spouses, relatives, and friends of the Deaf and
* Neighbors
The Library Community
Academic, School, Public, and Special
Special: nonprofits, for-profits, specialized services, archives, galleries, museums, governmental institutions, and others.
Deaf heritage is solely about deaf cultural traditions handed down from the past.
Deaf history is about the events, experiences, and lives of people in deaf communities and their impact on society and the political, cultural, and economic issues that shape their lives.
Audism refers to the belief that the ability to hear makes one superior to those who are Deaf. Being mindful of this ableism, no matter uncomfortable it makes you, will go a long way in challenging long-held stereotypes and discrimination against the Deaf.
American Sign Language – When the first American public school for the Deaf opened on April 15, 1817, Laurent Clerc taught French signs, but teachers and students mixed signs with signs from British people, Native Americans, deaf people of Martha’s Vineyard, home signs, and more. Laurent would insist that they use French signs slowly changed to a new name - American Sign Language.
Next draft: January 10, 2023.