ASL is Awesome for ALL! <\/p>\n
NAD Observes WFD International Week <\/p>\n
Posted September 19, 2008 <\/p>\n
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) encourages local
\ncommunities throughout the USA to become part of its ASL is Awesome
\nfor All! campaign, which promotes the long-standing position of the
\nNAD that American Sign Language (ASL) is a basic human right and the
\nnatural language of the American deaf community. <\/p>\n
The NAD seeks to share the benefits of ASL with everyone – it fosters
\nlanguage development in all babies, whether they are can hear or are
\ndeaf. It is in high demand as a second language being taught in many
\nhigh schools and postsecondary programs nationwide. While additional
\nbenefits of ASL continue to be found through research, people of all
\nages presently enjoy transcending the limits of spoken language
\nthrough ASL usage. \u201cWe must work together more vigorously than ever
\nto bring attention to, elevate and gain greater recognition of ASL as
\nour human right,\u201d said NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins. (NAD
\nPosition Statement on ASL) <\/p>\n
The ASL is Awesome for All! campaign also commemorates International
\nWeek of the Deaf, first launched by the World Federation of the Deaf
\n(WFD) in 1958 and observed annually during the last full week of
\nSeptember. The week culminates with celebration of International Day
\nof Sign Languages. Organizations of deaf people worldwide are
\nencouraged by the WFD to educate the public about and promote the
\nhuman and linguistic rights of deaf people, not only during this
\nofficial observance but also year-round. <\/p>\n
Accordingly, the NAD will have an ongoing listing of local events by
\nstate on its website, ASL is Awesome for All!, with further
\nannouncements about the national campaign to follow. <\/p>\n
About NAD <\/p>\n
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) was established in 1880 by
\ndeaf leaders who believed in the right of the American deaf community
\nto use sign language, to congregate on issues important to them, and
\nto have its interests represented at the national level. These beliefs
\nremain true to this day, with American Sign Language as a core value.
\nAs a nonprofit federation, the mission of the NAD is to preserve,
\nprotect, and promote the civil, human, and linguistic rights of deaf
\nand hard of hearing individuals in the United States of America. The
\nadvocacy scope of the NAD is broad, covering the breadth of a lifetime
\nand impacting future generations in the areas of early intervention,
\neducation, employment, health care, technology, telecommunications,
\nyouth leadership, and more. For more information, please visit<\/p>\n