Ellie-Vated Conversations: Deaf Awareness Month

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - It is officially September! A month widely celebrated by those in the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Established in 1958 through the World Federation of the Deaf’s inaugural International Week of the Deaf, Deaf Awareness Month is a global initiative. It highlights Deaf culture, promotes communication accessibility, and celebrates the diverse identities of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

At Cigarroa High School, deaf education teacher Joe Mendoza welcomes those in the deaf community. Every student who is deaf or hard of hearing, attends regular high school classes and even play sports, they just need a little bit of help, and that’s where Mendoza comes in.

At Cigarroa Middle School, Anabel Casso is the deaf education teacher. She has very similar tasks like Mendoza when it comes to taking care of the students who need the extra care.

Both Mendoza and Casso use American Sign Language (ASL).

The month is intended to bring awareness for those who were born deaf, have gradual hearing loss, sudden hearing loss or an accident that led to hearing loss and or deafness.

Deaf Awareness Month encourages understanding of Deaf identity, promotes accessibility, and supports systemic improvements in education, employment, and daily life

For more headlines, click here.