Why is November 28th commemorated in Mexico? According to the Government of Mexico website, this day not only commemorates historical achievements, such as the creation of the first National School for the Deaf and Mute in 1867, but also seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Deaf people, from communication barriers to limited access to fundamental rights. Mexican Sign Language (LSM) is much more than a means of communication; it represents the linguistic and cultural identity of Deaf people in Mexico. Officially recognized as a national language, LSM is made up of articulated hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements. This visual language allows Deaf people to express ideas and emotions with the same richness as any oral language. For this reason, National Day of the Deaf emphasizes the need to promote LSM learning from childhood, both at home and in schools, to guarantee true inclusion.

Walls, carpeting, lighting and windows: every detail of Vancouver's new learning and athletics facility was chosen with Deaf and hard-of-hearing students and staff in mind. The Washington School for the Deaf Campus was a message of love for his students.  Bilyeu is a longtime educator and executive director of the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, the state agency that runs the Washington School for the Deaf. “I want a vibrant, happy place…” he paused, “this is where kids should come to feel excited about learning.” Washington School for the Deaf is the state's only bilingual school using American Sign Language and English, serving Deaf and hard of hearing students in preschool through 12th grade. Located in the city of Vancouver, many of the school's approximately 136 students come from remote parts of the state and live in on-campus cabins for most of the week. The school recently completed the second phase of a $67.5 million campus remodel and expansion.