Deaf President Now! | Zina Jawadi

In freshman year, during a speech-and-debate tournament, an orator discussed how his brother participated in the Gallaudet Deaf President Now Movement.  I have always been inspired by this movement, in which thousands of Deaf students at Gallaudet University, the world's first university for Deaf and hard of hearing students, demanded that a deaf president run the university, expressing their anger through sign language and through speaking.  As a result, when I heard this story by someone whose brother was personally involved in that movement, I could not help but feel moved, excited, and enthralled all at the same time.  The Deaf Movement symbolizes my love for the Deaf community, Deaf unity, and Deaf culture.  What initially began with the Deaf Movement soon sparked an entire Disability Rights Movement, which in many ways is still continuing.  December 3 was the International Day of People with Disability.  I’d like to dedicate this post to this awareness day.