Early Recognition:
* 18th Century: The earliest documented use of sign language in America was among Deaf communities, but it wasn't formally recognized as a language.
* 19th Century: Deaf schools and organizations began to emerge, and the use of sign language was gradually accepted as a means of communication for the Deaf community.
Formal Recognition:
* 1960s & 1970s: A growing movement among Deaf scholars and activists began to argue that sign language was a distinct and complex language, not just a set of gestures.
* 1972: The Linguistic Society of America issued a statement recognizing ASL as a "true language" with its own grammar and syntax.
* 1980s & 1990s: ASL began to be integrated into academic study and research. Universities established ASL programs, and linguists conducted in-depth studies on its structure and complexity.
* 2000s: ASL became increasingly recognized as a legitimate and valuable language, with growing acceptance in government agencies, schools, and the wider society.
Key Events:
* 1975: Public Law 93-403, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was amended to mandate the use of sign language interpreters in government-funded programs, furthering the recognition of ASL as a language.
* 2002: The U.S. Department of Education recognized ASL as a foreign language for educational purposes.
Continuing Recognition:
* Present Day: ASL continues to gain recognition and acceptance as a language, with increased awareness in the general public and growing support for Deaf language and culture.
It's important to note that while ASL has achieved significant recognition, there are still challenges and ongoing efforts to ensure full equality and respect for the Deaf community and its language.