September Culture Corner: Many ways to communicate, connect, and belong as we honor Deaf Awareness Month
September is Deaf Awareness Month, a time to recognize Deaf culture, community, language, and the many ways people communicate and connect. Rochester is home to one of the country’s largest Deaf communities, giving local families a special opportunity to learn more about American Sign Language, commonly called ASL, and the people and organizations that make our community stronger and more welcoming.
This month, Healthi Kids invites families to discover a book and show created by Deaf artists, learn some everyday ASL signs, and explore Rochester’s Deaf community.
Read: Butterfly on the Wind
Written by Adam Pottle and illustrated by Ziyue Chen, Butterfly on the Wind follows Aurora, a Deaf child preparing for a talent show. When Aurora signs the ASL word for “butterfly,” a magical butterfly travels around the world, inspiring other Deaf people to add butterflies of their own. Created by a Deaf author and Deaf illustrator, the picture book celebrates language, confidence, and the support of the worldwide Deaf community. It is recommended for children ages 3 to 6.
Watch: Teeny Tales
Teeny Tales from CBC Kids brings familiar fairy-tale characters to life through American Sign Language and visual storytelling. Developed for children ages 4 to 6 who communicate using ASL, the short, funny episodes were written, directed, and performed by creators from the Deaf community. Families can watch stories—which are also voiced—featuring Goldilocks, Rapunzel, the Three Little Pigs, and other familiar characters on the CBC Kids YouTube channel.
Keep Learning: Explore American Sign Language
Start learning ASL as a family using signs that connect to a young child’s everyday life. Lifeprint’s “First 100 Signs” resource includes signs for concepts such as family, home, school, help, more, happy, love, and thank you, along with foods, colors, animals, feelings, and family members. Families can choose a few signs to learn and practice together during daily routines.
Remember that ASL is much more than memorizing individual signs. It is a complete language with its own grammar, culture, history, and terminology. Some signs may also have multiple versions or regional variations. Families can use Lifeprint to begin exploring, then continue learning from Deaf teachers and trusted Deaf-led resources.
As you read, watch, sign, and learn, ask your child:
“What are some ways we can communicate without using our voices?”