ASL is Awesome for All!
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) encourages local communities throughout the USA to become part of its ASL is Awesome for All! campaign, which promotes the long-standing position of the NAD that American Sign Language (ASL) is a basic human right and the natural language of the American deaf community.
The NAD seeks to share the benefits of ASL with everyone - it fosters language development in all babies, whether they are can hear or are deaf. It is in high demand as a second language being taught in many high schools and post secondary programs nationwide. While additional benefits of ASL continue to be found through research, people of all ages presently enjoy transcending the limits of spoken language through ASL usage. “We must work together more vigorously than ever to bring attention to, elevate and gain greater recognition of ASL as our human right,” said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. NAD Position Statement on ASL
The ASL is Awesome for All! campaign also commemorates International Week of the Deaf, first launched by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958 and observed annually during the last full week of September. The week culminates with celebration of International Day of Sign Languages. Organizations of deaf people worldwide are encouraged by the WFD to educate the public about and promote the human and linguistic rights of deaf people, not only during this official observance but also year-round.
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Events and Resources
The NAD wants your ASL is Awesome! listing – any and all local events that involve celebration of, or education about ASL, deaf culture and community. Send details about your local/state events to www.nad.org/contactus. Click here for listings: www.nad.org/ASLisAwesome
