Aug 26, 2025
September is Deaf Awareness Month—a time to celebrate the vibrant culture, language, and contributions of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Whether you're fluent in ASL or just starting out, here are five meaningful ways to join the celebration and foster inclusivity.
2. Watch Deaf-Led Films and Shows: Representation matters, and Deaf creators are telling powerful stories. Films like CODA and Sound of Metal offer insight into Deaf experiences. Support Deaf actors and content creators or host a community screening followed by a discussion.
3. Create Inclusive Spaces at School or Work: Small changes make a big impact. Add captions to videos and presentations, invite a Deaf speaker to share their story, or display ASL posters to spark curiosity and learning.
4. Explore Deaf History and Culture: Celebrate the trailblazers who’ve shaped Deaf advocacy. Learn about figures like Laurent Clerc and Marlee Matlin and highlight milestones like the founding of Gallaudet University. Sharing these stories helps raise awareness and appreciation.
5. Support Deaf-Owned Businesses and Organizations: Shop from Deaf-owned vendors, donate to advocacy groups like the National Association of the Deaf, or volunteer your time to uplift their mission. Locally, don’t miss Deaf Community Day hosted by the Independent Living Center of Kern County. It’s a free, ASL-accessible event with vendors, entertainment, and resources celebrating Deaf culture.
Whether you're celebrating in the classroom, at home, or online, Deaf Awareness Month is a chance to listen with your heart, learn with intention, and uplift voices that deserve to be heard—loud and clear.
ILCKC's Deaf Community Day 2025 Event Information
Held this year on Saturday, September 27, from 11 am-3 pm at Laurelglen Bible Church Activities Center, 2801 Ashe Road, Bakersfield. This event, vendors, and entertainment will be in ASL.
