to sign is human
A campaign for sign language acquisition
Hu is a campaign to raise awareness on early sign language acquisition for young deaf children (especially at the ages of 0-5 yrs). "To sign is human" is a call for equal access to sign language, as a human right.
With natural sign language exposure and acquisition, deaf children build the cognitive foundations for language learning that leads into literacy skills. With little exposure or no experience with sign language the consequences are harsh, with a lifelong impact in academia and mental health struggles. Only 3% deaf children, worldwide, receive education in sign language.
Families, when provided resources, will be able to support their child and embark on a journey that welcomes a new community and culture into their lives. Through Hu, through screenprinting and a bit of art, we can make a bit of a difference.
Sign language is beautiful and unique to regions and countries in the world. There are over 300 known and documented sign languages!
About the design
"Hu" is an emphasis on how sign language is our element as a visual and tactile community, and with sign language - the access to communication, self-expression, critical thinking - is what makes us human. Therefore, to sign is human.
LIMITED TIME ONLY - RAINBOW EDITION
Rainbow Hu edition symbolizes love, peace, tranquillity, unity, understanding and respect. It’s a reminder of how childhood is full of imagination and magic - given FULL language access. Let’s remember the world needs more love.
DEAF POWER EDITION
Our time is now. Glass ceilings are to be shattered. Power to our Deaf women. Power to our Deaf children. Let’s change the world!
INFINITY EDITION
For 2020, we are bringing back our original Hu design, which we call Hu Infinity with the ∞ symbol to represent how Deaf people have always signed, since the beginning of time, and we always will use sign language. Thus, Hu Infinity and Beyond!
1817 EDITION
The 1817 edition is a nod to the establishment of the first school for the Deaf in America - the American School for the Deaf, in Hartford, Connecticut. This first school for the deaf introduced bilingual education with sign language.
FUTURE EDITIONS
Future Hu designs may incorporate other dates and elements, that are significant to our broad and beautiful Deaf (DDBDDHHLD) world.
