International Week of the Deaf is celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and its national associations and their affiliates globally during the last full week of September (Monday through Sunday), culminating with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of the week. The WFD today encourages its national associations and their affiliates to celebrate International Week of…
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The UN General Assembly has proclaimed September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The resolution establishing the day acknowledges that early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language,…
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Autism Acceptance Month is a month dedicated to promoting inclusion and to breaking down the harmful misconceptions that are associated with autism. In contrast to Autism Awareness Month, which is also widely recognized, Autism Acceptance Month was created by and for the autistic community to change the conversation surrounding autism and to move it from stigmatic “autism awareness” language that…, What is Autism?, According to the Autism Self Advocacy Network, "Autism is a developmental disability that affects how we experience the world around us. Autistic people are an important part of the world. Autism is a normal part of life, and makes us who we are. Autism has always existed. Autistic people are born autistic and we will be autistic our whole lives. Autism can be diagnosed by a doctor, but you can…, "We think differently", "We process our senses differently", "We move differently", "We communicate differently", "We socialize differently", "We might need help with daily living", However, the most important thing that they note is that not every autistic person will relate to all of these. As they say in the article linked below, “There are lots of different ways to be autistic.” Learn more about Autism by visiting ASAN’s “ About Autism ” page., What is Neurodiversity?, Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but is frequently used in the context of autism and other neurological or developmental conditions. The neurodiversity movement emerged during the 90s and is aimed at increasing acceptance and inclusion of all people by embracing neurological differences. Learn more about how you can make the workplace more inclusive for neurodiverse people by…, Interested in learning more about Autism?, Visit the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s website to learn more. The ASAN is a nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people that fights for disability rights, inclusion and policy.
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The GLSEN Day of Silence is a national student-led demonstration where LGBTQ students and allies all around the country—and the world—take a vow of silence to protest the harmful effects of harassment and discrimination of LGBTQ people in schools. Started in the mid 90’s by two college students, the Day of Silence has expanded to reach hundreds of thousands of students each year. Every April,…
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ALS Awareness Month is a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Find out how you can get involved in fighting ALS at the ALS Association website .
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Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month is a time to reflect upon and celebrate the remarkable role of the AANHPI community in our nation’s history. The AANHPI community is incredibly diverse, comprising over 45 distinct ethnicities and over 100 language dialects. Visit the National Park Services AANHPI site to access various resources on the historical contributions of the…
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Haitian Heritage Month is a celebration in the United States of Haitian heritage and culture. Boston was the first city to celebrate Haitian Heritage Month in 1998 and is home to one of the largest populations of Haitian immigrants in the United States. The month of May was selected to coincide with Haitian Flag Day on May 18.
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Jewish American Heritage Month is held in May to recognize the more than 350 year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The month was first recognized in 2006, when President George W. Bush proclaimed it an official heritage month. Visit the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center (JHC) website to learn about the history of Jewish families, institutions, and communities in New England…
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Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). In 2022, ACL's theme "Age My Way" will focus on aging in place - how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and live independently in their communities for as long as possible. Visit the ACL Administration for Community Living site for more information.
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Eid al-Fitr is the earlier of the two official holidays celebrated within Islam. The religious holiday is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. It falls on the first day of Shawwal in the Islamic calendar; this does not always fall on the same Gregorian day, as the start of any lunar Hijri month varies based on when the new…
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