This article was updated March 30, 2026
National Deaf History Month is an excellent opportunity for educators to teach all students about the history, accomplishments, and culture of deaf people. While traditionally held from March 13 to April 15, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has shifted the official observance to April 1–30, effective from 2026, to fully align with a monthly, inclusive recognition.
National Deaf History Month was started in the 1990s after two deaf employees at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C., started teaching sign language to other employees. This grew into a month promoting understanding of the deaf community that ultimately inspired the NAD to propose a national month-long recognition period.
According to one estimate, about 3.6 percent of the U.S. population, or 11 million people, are deaf or have serious difficulty hearing. National Deaf History Month is an ideal time to teach all students more about inclusion and the accomplishments of deaf people in the arts, education, sports, law, science, and music.
Article continues belowBest Deaf Awareness Lessons & Activities
Look, Smile, Chat: Deaf awareness look, smile lesson plans for teachers
These PDF lesson plans for students aged 11-16 years aim to help hearing kids better understand deafness, deaf culture, and the lives of deaf people, as well as communication between deaf and hearing kids.
Charles Michel de l'Epee
A pioneer who founded the first public school for the hearing impaired in France, Epee bucked the trends of the time, asserting that deaf people deserve an education and equal rights. He developed the manual language that eventually became French Sign Language (from which American Sign Language sprang). Truly a giant of history.
ASL and Deaf Culture
Deaf people discuss how American Sign Language is an integral part of deaf culture and expression. Narrated for the hearing audience.
AFB: The Helen Keller Online Kids Museum
In this online museum exhibit, the American Foundation for the Blind presents a wealth of knowledge about world-renowned activist and pioneer Helen Keller, from her childhood through her international travels as a world leader. Included are multiple photographs of Keller with politicians, actors, children, and people of every station in life.
History through Deaf Eyes
From the world-renowned institute of higher learning, Gallaudet University, the History Through Deaf Eyes Online Exhibition explores the lives of deaf people and social attitudes toward deaf language and education through the years.
11 Ways to Honor Deaf Awareness
Fine ideas for promoting awareness and understanding of deaf life and culture, from reading books with deaf characters, to trying out lipreading, to researching the accomplishments of famous deaf people. Be sure to check out the “Unfair Spelling Test,” which illustrates how words become garbled with loss of hearing above 1000 hz.
Olof Hanson, Conspicuous Leader: 1862-1933
“I am myself deaf. My greatest obstacle is not my deafness, but to overcome the prejudice and ignorance of those who do not understand what the deaf can do,” wrote Olof Hanson in a 1908 letter to President Theodore Roosevelt. Learn more about Hanson, the first recorded deaf architect in the United States, in this online exhibit from the National Deaf Life Museum.
Sign Language Decoding Quotes
Famous quotes from William Shakespeare, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and others are transliterated into American Sign Language (ASL) in these downloadable/printable PDFs. A first-rate way to learn and practice ASL. Free account required
Dad and Me in the Morning Guided Reading Lesson
A standards-aligned lesson for grades 4-5, built around the book Dad and Me and the Morning by Patricia Lakin. Written from the deaf son’s perspective, the book recounts an early morning excursion to the beach with his father. The lesson includes everything needed for teaching: a downloadable PDF and Powerpoint presentation with the complete text, as well as post-reading questions.
Wordwall Community American Sign Language Games
A wide selection of colorful, creative games helps users practice ASL. Each game features polished graphics, fun sound effects, and multiple templates to add variety. No account required to play, but a free basic account allows users to create their own activities, while the Standard ($7.20/month) and Pro ($10.80/month) accounts offer many additional features.
American Sign Language Beta Test Games
Seven online word games are a quick and easy way to learn and practice American Sign Language (ASL) in realistic or cartoon ASL font. Start with the letter quiz, then try the matching game, word search, sentence game, or Simon Signs. Feeling stuck? No worries, just click the Alphabet Legend to refresh your memory. Free no account required.
Movies and TV Shows with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Characters
You might be surprised to learn how many popular movies and TV shows feature deaf characters. Watching such programs can be a great way to engage hearing students with deaf culture, while supporting and recognizing deaf students’ experiences. This list from Common Sense Media can be filtered by age, from preschool to teenager.
Jessica Flores Lip Reading
Comedian and Deaf advocate Jessica Flores is not only very funny, but also a strong educator and communicator. In this video, she helps hearing folks understand how lip reading actually works. Hint: It’s not as easy as you might think.
Free Sign Language Videos for Beginners
Dozens of brief narrated videos effectively demonstrate the basics of American Sign Language. Featured are common words and concepts such as pronouns, colors, numbers, directions, and much more.
Alphabet Sing and Sign
From the Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel, this charming collection of videos combines songs and signing in an engaging and educational fashion. Perfect for younger learners.
Learn More About a Recent ASL Star
Justina Miles recently made history when she performed with Rihanna at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show. The 20-year-old Miles became the first deaf ASL performer in Super Bowl history and went viral on social media for her energetic performance. Discussing Miles’ performance and story is the perfect lead-in to a larger classroom discussion about what ASL is and why it is needed.
ASL University
Created by a longtime professor of American Sign Language and Deaf Studies, ASL University offers free American Sign Language lessons and videos. Be sure to meet the creator Dr. Bill Vicars (Deaf/hh) on his YouTube channels, Signs and Bill Vicars.
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet
Throughout history, deaf people were often seen as uneducable and mentally deficient. A giant in the field of education, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet believed otherwise, and founded the first school for the deaf in the U.S. This biography explores his life, philanthropic endeavors, and contributions to deaf education.
Deaf Culture 101
From the Iowa School for the Deaf, this upbeat, frank, and funny video educates hearing people about the diverse experiences of living as a deaf person in a hearing world.
Deaf People Answer Commonly Googled Questions About Being Deaf
What kind of questions do internet users ask Google about deaf people? If you guessed, “Do deaf people think?” you’d be sadly correct. But hidden among the absurd questions are some really interesting ones, such as “Do deaf people have an inner voice?” These and other questions are answered with insight, honesty, and humor by the talented and engaging guides, Mixxie and Lia.
Helen Keller | Author, Advocate, and Activist
A detailed, standards-based lesson on the accomplishments of Helen Keller, the amazing deaf-blind speaker, author, and activist, who championed the rights of people with disabilities and women. Shareable via Google classroom or by link.
How Do Deaf People Experience and Enjoy Music?
Hearing people may be surprised to learn that deaf people can sense, process, enjoy, and make music. Ask your hearing students to write what they think music is like for deaf people. Have them read one or more of the following articles. Then ask them to write how their views have changed and what they learned about deaf music appreciation.
Sound System Allows Deaf People to Experience Music Like Never Before Wearable technology allows deaf people to perceive music directly through their body.
How Deaf People Experience Music The science behind hearing, and how brain plasticity makes up for a loss of hearing.
Can Deaf People Hear Music? (Answer: Yes, They Can) How deaf people use vibrations and sign language to appreciate and interact with music
How Do Deaf People Experience Music? Shaheem Sanchez is a deaf dancer and instructor who learns songs through musical vibrations.
How Do We Listen When We're Unable to Hear? Deaf Grammy-winning percussionist and recording artist Evelyn Glennie answers this question with insight and grace.
