Deaf Awareness Week celebrates culture, heritage

Several other events are coming up for those interested in participating in Deaf Awareness Week.

A silent lunch with communication disorders instructor Kendra Miller will begin at noon today on the front lawn of the Health Professions Building and the deaf games with the American Sign Language Society will begin at 6 p.m. in the Student Activity Center.

The last event for the week is ASL Rocks! at 6 p.m. Thursday.

American Sign Language Society President Mallorie Ceisel said Deaf Awareness Week celebrates culture and heritage, not necessarily those who cannot hear.

“It draws attention to the differences between the culture,” the Illinois senior said. “This way hearing people can understand why deaf people behave differently and have different perspectives.”

Learning sign language

According to signgenius.com, an estimated 2 million people use sign language as their native language. The language not only uses hand motions, but also gestures, body movements, facial expressions and hand positions.

Campbell Hall Vice President Natalie Gordinier would like to know more about sign language.

“I don’t know a lot about sign language, but I know a few words and some letters,” the Madison Heights freshman said. “It would be awesome to learn sign language so I can communicate with more people.”

Fabiano Hall Residence Assistant Justine Easter offered her residence to attend these events.

“I told my residents to knock on my door if they were interested in attending these events,” the Detroit junior said. “I wouldn’t mind showing my residents a new experience.”

Celebrations of Deaf Awareness Week are observed by various international, national, state and local organizations, and include events and public campaigns that draw attention to deaf people, their accomplishments and their issues.