Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month

September is Deaf and Hard of Hearing Awareness Month - a time to celebrate the culture, language, and contributions of the Deaf and hard of hearing community. It’s also an opportunity to learn how hearing differences affect communication and how we can support inclusive learning environments for all students.

Did You Know?

• American Sign Language (ASL) is a complete visual language with its own grammar and structure - not simply a translation of English.

• Hearing loss can range from mild to profound, and individuals may use a variety of tools to communicate, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, sign language, lip reading, and written notes.

• Exposure to loud sounds - especially through headphones - can cause permanent hearing damage. Teaching safe listening habits early is essential.

Meet Aidren: 

Aidren is one of the kindest, most joyful students in our school. Aidren is a twin, and his sister Harper is in Ms. Kenny’s class. He’s known for being sweet, a great listener, and a friend to everyone. He brings positivity to every room he enters and truly loves coming to school each day.

Aidren uses both a hearing aid and a cochlear implant to help him hear and learn. To support him in the classroom, his teacher, Mrs. Chludil, uses an FM system - a special microphone that transmits her voice directly to Aidren’s devices. This helps reduce background noise and ensures her voice reaches him clearly, even in a busy environment. It’s a great example of how inclusive technology and thoughtful teaching practices help all students thrive.

His classmates and teacher shared some of their favorite things:

“Aidren is fun to play with.” - Forrest 

“I like Sonic and so does Aidren. He has Sonic on his ear!” - Harvey 

“I love having Aidren in my classroom. His kind heart and positive personality make him a sought-out friend.” - Mrs. Chludil

Learn More 

Western Michigan University offers a helpful overview of Deaf culture, identity, and communication preferences. You can read their article to explore 10 key things to know about Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

How You Can Support Learning at Home:

• Learn a few ASL signs together as a family - start with “hello,” “thank you,” and “I love you.”

• Read books featuring Deaf characters, such as Mara Hears in Style by Terri Clemmons or Emma Every Day by C. L. Reid.

• Talk with your child about how we can be kind and inclusive to classmates who may communicate differently.

By raising awareness and understanding, we help children build empathy and celebrate the diversity of human communication. Thank you for partnering with us in this important learning journey.