Disability History and Heritage

Disability history and heritage is a culmination of multiple months and opportunities to highlight historical and present day contributions, action, and advocacy in the community.

Disability History and Awareness Month (RCW 28A.230.158) takes place during October to increase awareness, respect, and acceptance for people with disabilities, and to bring a greater sense of pride to people with disabilities. All Washington public schools are required to conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. The activities may include, but not be limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations.

Mar. 13-Apr. 15: Deaf History Month

Deaf history includes the founding of Gallaudet University and the American School for the Deaf. For over 150 years, Gallaudet has been the political, social, and economic engine of the signing community.

• Deaf History Month

• Deaf history is not free from racial inequalities. Black ASL birthed from segregation (no transcript available). Black students were not allowed to attend White deaf schools.

• Youtube: Lipreading: Truth and Tips for Hearing People
  
• Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Organizations to Support
  

https://www.whatcomtalk.com/2022/03/28/developmental-disabilities-awareness-month-highlights-work-of-max-higbee-center-with-support-from-peoples-bank/

https://ssir.org/articles/entry/the_curb_cut_effect

https://www.oeo.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Book-Resource-Guide.pdf

https://www.oeo.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/Covid-19%20and%20Disability%20Justice%20Resources.pdf

https://www.oeo.wa.gov/sites/default/files/public/BLM%20and%20Disability%20Justice%20Resources.pdf

https://udlguidelines.cast.org/

https://www.ted.com/talks/maysoon_zayid_i_got_99_problems_palsy_is_just_one

https://www.disabilitymuseum.org/dhm/index.html

http://www.yodisabledproud.org/organize/docs/PRIDE/5_High_School/Unit_3_High/3_1h-History_Timeline.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC8D6gXQLlo

In this lesson plan, you’ll find six modules with the intent that a teacher could mix and match, based on what makes sense for their class and their interests, with each module containing brief readings, videos, and/or interactive exercises/assignments that all teach about different aspects of disability rights and disability justice.