University of Illinois Observes Deaf Awareness Week
According to Gallaudet University, about 1 million people in the United States are functionally deaf, relying upon lip reading or using American Sign Language
to communicate. The last full week in September is set aside every year to increase awareness of deaf issues during International Week of the Deaf. This year, the
University of Illinois joined in the observance for the first time, thanks largely to the efforts of Professor Matthew Dye of the Department of Speech and Hearing
Science. He worked with colleagues Susan Weiss and Donald Haring, American Sign Language instructors, and American Sign Language Club President Michael Mehlick to
coordinate a variety of activities designed to promote awareness of local and national Deaf communities, to emphasize the importance of American Sign Language, and
to highlight the abilities of deaf people.
Among the highlights of the week’s activities, which included talks by leaders in the Deaf community and films, was Silent Day, when participating students
communicated using only sign language, gestures, and writing, and the Altgeld Hall Chimes remained quiet. On Saturday, students from the Illinois School for the
Deaf were accompanied by the Marching Illini as they performed the National Anthem in American Sign Language before the football game.