Through the Looking Glass

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Autism is a developmental disability where people experience the world differently, through how they think, perceive, and interact with the world. Despite the way we may see or hear autism talked about, there is no one way of being autistic. Adults, people of color, and girls and women do not always get the support they need because of stereotypes around autism. We can make it a better experience for all by learning about autism and ways to make our programs more accessible for autistic individuals and their families. One great resource is the https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/about-autism/ which is run by autistic advocates.

There’s a great documentary with the same name, Deaf President Now. You can also learn more at https://gallaudet.edu/deaf-president-now/

In March 1988, Gallaudet University Students sparked a movement that reshaped Deaf History. For 8 days, they marched, rallied, and shut down their campus until the board agreed and the current "Hearing" President resigned and appointed the University's first Deaf president.

Deaf President Now wasn't just a campus protest; it was a declaration of Deaf leadership, culture, and self-determination.



[ID: A rectangular graphic with a bright yellow background features the title “DISABILITY RIGHTS HISTORY: Deaf President Now (DPN)” in large black text at the top. Beneath the title is a paragraph explaining that in March 1988, Gallaudet University students shut down the campus to demand the school’s first Deaf president, Dr. I. King Jordan, and that the week‑long protest became a symbol of Deaf pride, self‑determination, and community power. Above the text is the Gallaudet University logo with the word “INDEPENDENCE” underneath. Three photos line the bottom of the graphic: on the left, a labeled black‑and‑white photo of Dr. I. King Jordan smiling and raising his hand; in the center, a black‑and‑white photo of several students standing in front of a protest banner; and on the right, a color photo of a large crowd holding signs, including one that reads “Give Gallaudet a Deaf President.”]