September 23 – International Sign Language Day

International Sign Language Day is Today!

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HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SIGN LANGUAGES STEP-BY-STEP

Learn some basic facts about American Sign Language.
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Learn how to sign your name in ASL.
Read the Wikipedia on all things sign language.
Watch the video, 25 ASL Signs You Need to Know.
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12/15/2024 11:30 am GMT

International Sign Language Day is celebrated annually on September 23rd. This day was established to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and promote the rights of deaf people to use their own language. Sign language is a visual language that uses hand gestures, facial expressions and body language to communicate. There are over 300 sign languages used around the world, each with their own unique grammar and syntax.

This day is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of sign languages and recognize their importance in creating an inclusive society for all. Let us all join hands, or should I say, let us all use sign language, to promote the right for every individual to use their preferred language.

INTERNATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE DAY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF SIGN LANGUAGES

The roots of sign language stretch back centuries, with some evidence suggesting that signs may have been used in ancient Greece and Rome. Over time, sign languages have evolved in different regions of the world, each with their own unique characteristics and grammar. In the 18th century, educators began to recognize the value of sign language in educating deaf children, and the first schools for the deaf were established in France and the United States. Today, sign language is recognized as a fully-developed language, with its own grammar and syntax, and a vibrant culture surrounding it. Exploring the history of sign languages is a fascinating journey that sheds light on the resilience and creativity of the human spirit.

100 WAYS TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL SIGN LANGUAGE DAY

ASL Storytelling Circle: Gather with friends or family to take turns sharing stories in American Sign Language, embracing the beauty and expressiveness of visual storytelling.
Sign Language Movie Night: Watch movies or TV shows that feature Deaf characters or incorporate American Sign Language, providing an opportunity to learn and appreciate sign language in a fun and entertaining way.
ASL Poetry Slam: Host a poetry slam where participants perform original poems or recite famous works using American Sign Language, showcasing the creativity and artistry of sign language expression.
Deaf Culture Workshop: Attend a workshop or organize one yourself to learn about Deaf culture, history, and the importance of sign language in the Deaf community.
ASL Flash Mob: Organize a flash mob in a public space where participants perform signed songs or coordinated routines, spreading awareness and celebrating sign language in a lively and engaging way.
Sign Language Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues and instructions presented in American Sign Language, challenging participants to communicate and solve puzzles using sign language.
ASL Karaoke Night: Host a karaoke night where participants sign along to their favorite songs using American Sign Language, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in entertainment.
Deaf Awareness Walk: Organize a walk or march to raise awareness about Deaf issues and the importance of accessibility, with participants communicating in American Sign Language throughout the event.
ASL Game Night: Play board games or card games with instructions and communication conducted entirely in American Sign Language, fostering teamwork and linguistic skills.
Sign Language Storytime at Libraries: Partner with libraries to host sign language storytime sessions for children and families, promoting early language development and cultural understanding.
ASL Cooking Class: Attend or host a cooking class where participants learn to cook and communicate using American Sign Language, creating delicious dishes while practicing sign language skills.
Deaf History Museum Tour: Visit a museum or exhibit dedicated to Deaf history and culture, learning about significant figures, milestones, and contributions to society.
ASL Art Workshop: Take part in an art workshop where participants create visual artworks inspired by sign language and Deaf culture, expressing themselves creatively through a visual language.
Sign Language Book Club: Start or join a book club focused on literature by Deaf authors or featuring Deaf characters, discussing books and stories related to sign language and Deaf culture.
Deaf Talent Show: Host a talent show showcasing the skills and talents of Deaf performers, with acts ranging from music and dance to comedy and storytelling, all communicated through American Sign Language.
ASL Cultural Exchange Event: Organize a cultural exchange event where Deaf and hearing individuals come together to share experiences, languages, and perspectives, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.
Sign Language Nature Walk: Take a guided nature walk led by a Deaf naturalist or interpreter, exploring the outdoors and learning about flora and fauna through American Sign Language.
ASL Community Potluck: Host a potluck gathering where participants bring dishes from their cultural backgrounds, with communication facilitated through American Sign Language, fostering community and connection.
Deaf Storytelling Festival: Attend or organize a storytelling festival featuring Deaf storytellers sharing tales and folklore from diverse cultural traditions, presented in American Sign Language.
ASL Dance Workshop: Take part in a dance workshop where participants learn choreography and movement sequences expressed through American Sign Language, blending movement and language in creative ways.
Deaf Film Screening Event: Host a screening event featuring films created by Deaf filmmakers or showcasing Deaf talent, providing a platform for Deaf voices and storytelling in cinema.
ASL Community Game Day: Organize a game day with a variety of games and activities adapted for Deaf players, fostering camaraderie and social interaction through American Sign Language.
Sign Language Cultural Festival: Attend or participate in a cultural festival celebrating sign language and Deaf culture, with performances, workshops, and activities for all ages.
ASL Panel Discussion: Host a panel discussion featuring Deaf individuals discussing topics related to language, accessibility, and advocacy, providing insights and perspectives on the Deaf experience.
Deaf Comedy Night: Enjoy a comedy show featuring Deaf comedians performing stand-up routines and sketches in American Sign Language, offering laughter and entertainment while highlighting Deaf humor and storytelling.
Sign Language Charades: Play a game of charades where players act out words or phrases using only American Sign Language, challenging others to guess the correct answers.
ASL Pictionary: Participate in a game of Pictionary where players draw pictures representing words or phrases in American Sign Language, encouraging creativity and communication.
Deaf Bingo: Play bingo with cards featuring ASL signs instead of numbers, calling out signs instead of traditional bingo numbers for an inclusive and educational twist on the classic game.
Sign Language Trivia: Test your knowledge of American Sign Language and Deaf culture with a trivia game featuring questions about sign language history, famous Deaf individuals, and ASL vocabulary.
ASL Alphabet Relay Race: Organize a relay race where teams spell out words or phrases using the American Sign Language alphabet, promoting teamwork and sign language skills.
Deaf Taboo: Play a version of the game Taboo where players describe words or phrases using ASL signs without using specific forbidden words, challenging communication and vocabulary skills.
ASL Memory Game: Create a memory game with cards featuring ASL signs paired with their corresponding English words, challenging players to match signs and words while improving memory and vocabulary.
Sign Language Telephone: Play a variation of the classic game Telephone where players pass along a message using American Sign Language instead of spoken words, observing how signs evolve as they’re passed along.
ASL Simon Says: Lead a game of Simon Says using American Sign Language commands, challenging players to follow instructions and mimic signs for a fun and interactive experience.
Deaf Trivia Pursuit: Adapt the game Trivial Pursuit with categories focused on Deaf culture, sign language, and Deaf history, testing players’ knowledge and understanding of Deaf-related topics.
Sign Language Tic-Tac-Toe: Play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe where players use ASL signs to mark their spaces on the board, promoting sign language communication and strategy.
ASL Guess Who?: Adapt the game Guess Who? to include characters who communicate using American Sign Language, challenging players to ask questions and guess the character based on visual cues.
Deaf Balderdash: Play a version of the game Balderdash where players invent definitions for ASL signs, challenging others to guess the correct meanings while promoting creativity and linguistic skills.
Sign Language Bingo: Play bingo with cards featuring common ASL signs, calling out descriptions or demonstrating signs for players to mark on their bingo cards, promoting sign language recognition and vocabulary.
ASL Hangman: Play a game of Hangman where players guess letters to reveal an ASL sign, challenging visual recognition and vocabulary skills while reinforcing sign language learning.
Deaf Mad Libs: Create Mad Libs stories with blanks to fill in with ASL signs, encouraging players to use their imagination and linguistic skills to complete the stories with sign language.
Sign Language Scattergories: Play a game of Scattergories with categories related to American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and sign language vocabulary, challenging players to think quickly and creatively.
ASL Card Games: Play traditional card games like Poker, Uno, or Go Fish using ASL signs to communicate and strategize, offering a fun and inclusive gaming experience.
Deaf Jeopardy: Adapt the game Jeopardy with categories focused on American Sign Language, Deaf history, and Deaf culture, challenging players to answer questions and earn points.
Sign Language Twister: Play a game of Twister using ASL signs instead of colors, challenging players to twist and contort their bodies while mimicking sign language gestures.
ASL Bingo Bash: Host a bingo bash event with multiple rounds of bingo featuring ASL signs, prizes, and entertainment, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere for players of all ages.
Deaf Trivial Pursuit: Adapt the game Trivial Pursuit with questions focused on American Sign Language, Deaf history, and Deaf culture, challenging players’ knowledge and understanding of Deaf-related topics.
ASL Scrabble Showdown: Play a game of Scrabble using ASL signs as the letter tiles, challenging players to form words and sentences using sign language vocabulary.
Sign Language Hangman: Play a game of Hangman where players guess letters to reveal an ASL sign, challenging visual recognition and vocabulary skills while reinforcing sign language learning.
Deaf Alphabet Relay Race: Organize a relay race where teams spell out words or phrases using the American Sign Language alphabet, promoting teamwork and sign language skills.
ASL Alphabet Wall Art: Create wall art featuring the American Sign Language alphabet, using different materials like paint, wood, or fabric to represent each letter.
Deaf Culture Friendship Bracelets: Make friendship bracelets using beads or embroidery floss in colors representing Deaf culture and sign language, exchanging them as symbols of friendship and solidarity.
ASL Handprint Wreath: Craft a wreath using handprints cut out from colored paper or fabric, arranging them in a circular pattern to represent the diversity and unity of sign language users.
Sign Language Button Pins: Design button pins featuring ASL signs or phrases, using button-making kits and colorful designs to spread awareness and appreciation for sign language.
Deaf Awareness Ribbon Keychains: Create keychains using ribbons in colors symbolizing Deaf awareness and advocacy, adding charms or beads with ASL symbols for a personalized touch.
ASL Alphabet Bookmarks: Make bookmarks featuring the ASL alphabet, laminating them for durability and adding decorative elements like tassels or ribbons for a practical and educational craft.
Sign Language Tote Bags: Decorate tote bags with fabric paint or markers, showcasing ASL signs, fingerspelling, or Deaf pride slogans for a stylish and functional accessory.
Deaf Culture Dreamcatchers: Craft dreamcatchers using embroidery hoops, yarn, and feathers, incorporating ASL symbols or phrases into the design to promote positivity and protection.
ASL Sign Language Magnets: Create magnets featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, using clay, resin, or polymer clay to mold and paint the signs for decorative and educational purposes.
Sign Language Sun Catchers: Make sun catchers using clear contact paper and colored tissue paper, cutting out ASL signs or fingerspelling to catch sunlight and spread awareness of sign language.
Deaf Pride Beaded Necklaces: String beads in colors representing Deaf pride and sign language onto necklaces, adding charms or pendants with ASL symbols for a meaningful and stylish accessory.
ASL Handprint Canvas Art: Create canvas art using handprints dipped in paint, arranging them in a design representing ASL signs or fingerspelling to showcase the beauty of sign language.
Sign Language Memory Game: Make a memory game with cards featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, encouraging players to match signs while promoting memory and sign language skills.
Deaf Culture Embroidery Hoop Art: Embroider ASL signs or phrases onto fabric stretched in embroidery hoops, framing them for wall art or decorative accents to celebrate Deaf culture and language.
ASL Alphabet Clay Ornaments: Mold clay into ornaments featuring the ASL alphabet, decorating them with paint or markers to create personalized decorations for holidays or special occasions.
Sign Language Paper Quilling Art: Create paper quilling art featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, rolling and shaping colored paper strips to form intricate designs that celebrate sign language.
Deaf Culture Paper Lanterns: Make paper lanterns decorated with ASL signs or fingerspelling, illuminating them with LED lights for festive decorations that promote awareness of sign language.
ASL Sign Language Jigsaw Puzzle: Design and create a jigsaw puzzle featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, challenging players to piece together the signs while learning and having fun.
Sign Language Rock Painting: Paint rocks with ASL signs or fingerspelling, placing them in public spaces or giving them as gifts to spread positivity and awareness of sign language.
Deaf Pride Cross Stitch Sampler: Stitch a cross-stitch sampler featuring ASL signs or phrases, framing it for wall art or decorative accents that celebrate Deaf pride and language.
ASL Sign Language Paper Fans: Make paper fans decorated with ASL signs or fingerspelling, using them as props for performances or events that promote awareness and appreciation of sign language.
Sign Language Origami Bookmarks: Fold origami bookmarks featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, using colorful paper and markers to create unique and functional crafts that celebrate sign language.
Deaf Culture Paper Mache Masks: Create paper mache masks decorated with ASL signs or symbols, wearing them as costumes or display pieces to celebrate and honor Deaf culture and identity.
ASL Sign Language Crossword Puzzle: Design and create a crossword puzzle featuring ASL signs or fingerspelling, challenging solvers to fill in the blanks while learning and reinforcing sign language vocabulary.
Deaf Pride Collage Art: Make collage art featuring images, words, and symbols representing Deaf pride and culture, incorporating ASL signs or fingerspelling for a meaningful and expressive craft.
Sign Language Sandwiches: Create sandwiches with fillings arranged to represent ASL signs or fingerspelling, using ingredients like deli meats, cheese, and vegetables to form letters and symbols.
Deaf Culture Dumplings: Make dumplings filled with savory ingredients like pork, shrimp, or vegetables, folding them into shapes resembling ASL signs or fingerspelling for a delicious and symbolic dish.
ASL Alphabet Pizza: Prepare pizzas topped with ingredients arranged to spell out the ASL alphabet, using toppings like pepperoni, olives, and peppers to create letters and symbols.
Sign Language Sushi Rolls: Roll sushi with fillings like fish, avocado, and cucumber, arranging them to mimic ASL signs or fingerspelling when sliced for a creative and delicious meal.
Deaf Pride Pasta Salad: Toss pasta with colorful vegetables, cheese, and dressing, arranging them in a bowl to form patterns or shapes representing Deaf pride and culture.
ASL Finger Food Platter: Arrange a platter with bite-sized finger foods like cheese cubes, fruit, and crackers, spelling out ASL signs or fingerspelling with the arrangement for a fun and interactive appetizer.
Sign Language Spaghetti Squash: Roast spaghetti squash and toss it with sauce and toppings, arranging the strands to resemble ASL signs or fingerspelling when served for a creative and nutritious dish.
Deaf Culture Dip Platter: Prepare a variety of dips like hummus, salsa, and spinach artichoke dip, arranging them in bowls to form ASL signs or fingerspelling when placed together for a flavorful appetizer spread.
ASL Alphabet Fruit Salad: Cut fruit into shapes representing ASL signs or fingerspelling, arranging them on a platter or skewers to create a colorful and symbolic fruit salad for a refreshing snack or dessert.
Sign Language Salad Wraps: Fill lettuce leaves or tortillas with salad ingredients like grilled chicken, vegetables, and dressing, rolling them up to resemble ASL signs or fingerspelling for a healthy and portable meal.
Deaf Pride Parfait Cups: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit in cups, arranging the layers to represent ASL signs or fingerspelling for a nutritious and visually appealing breakfast or snack.
ASL Alphabet Appetizer Skewers: Thread skewers with bite-sized appetizers like cheese, meat, and vegetables, arranging them to spell out ASL signs or fingerspelling when served for a creative and delicious starter.
Sign Language Sweets Platter: Prepare a platter with an assortment of sweets like cookies, brownies, and candies, arranging them to form ASL signs or fingerspelling for a delightful dessert spread.
Deaf Culture Croissant Sandwiches: Fill croissants with ingredients like ham, cheese, and lettuce, arranging them to resemble ASL signs or fingerspelling for a delicious and symbolic lunch or snack.
ASL Alphabet Appetizer Pizza Bites: Bake mini pizza bites topped with ingredients arranged to spell out ASL signs or fingerspelling, using toppings like pepperoni, cheese, and vegetables for a tasty and creative appetizer.
Sign Language Smoothie Bowls: Blend smoothie bowls with colorful fruits and toppings, arranging them to represent ASL signs or fingerspelling when served for a nutritious and visually appealing breakfast or snack.
Deaf Pride Vegetable Platter: Arrange a platter with assorted vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, arranging them to form ASL signs or fingerspelling for a healthy and symbolic appetizer.
ASL Alphabet Cheese Plate: Arrange a cheese plate with a variety of cheeses, crackers, and fruits, arranging them to spell out ASL signs or fingerspelling for a sophisticated and delicious appetizer spread.
Sign Language Cupcake Creations: Bake cupcakes and decorate them with frosting and toppings to resemble ASL signs or fingerspelling, using piping techniques to create intricate designs for a delightful dessert.
Deaf Culture Breakfast Burritos: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and vegetables, rolling them up to form ASL signs or fingerspelling for a hearty and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
ASL Alphabet Appetizer Pinwheels: Roll tortilla pinwheels with fillings like cream cheese, deli meats, and vegetables, arranging them to spell out ASL signs or fingerspelling for a tasty and eye-catching appetizer.
Sign Language Soup Shooters: Serve soup in shot glasses or small cups, garnishing them with ingredients arranged to form ASL signs or fingerspelling for a creative and appetizing starter.
Deaf Pride Cookie Decorating: Decorate cookies with frosting and sprinkles to represent ASL signs or fingerspelling, using piping bags and tools to create intricate designs for a fun and delicious activity.
ASL Alphabet Antipasto Platter: Arrange an antipasto platter with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables, arranging them to spell out ASL signs or fingerspelling for a flavorful and elegant appetizer spread.
Sign Language Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, meat, and vegetables, arranging them to resemble ASL signs or fingerspelling when served for a hearty and symbolic meal.