National Deaf History Month is observed from March 13 to April 15 each year. March 13 commemorates the selection of I. King Jordan as the first Deaf President of Gallaudet University. April 15 commemorates the opening of American School for the Deaf as the nation’s first public school for the deaf, located in West Hartford, CT.
FSDB Deaf High School staff members implemented curricular activities reflecting this historic month. Students in Michael Freeman’s Art classes created clay handshapes for Deaf History Month. Freeman borrowed the idea from an “I Love You” handshape project. First, students selected any handshape that they wanted to create out of clay. After the clay handshapes had hardened, they painted them as desired. Students enjoyed the project because “ASL is a big part of their culture. People need to be reminded how beautiful Deaf culture is” Freeman explained.
By Christi Boortz, Instructional Services
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904.827.2212 voice or 904.201.4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org