Beyond Words: Learn more about Communication Access for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Performed in English, Vietnamese, American Sign Language (ASL), and Vietnamese Sign Language (VSL), The World is Not Silent is a multilingual play that explores how language simultaneously divides and unites us.

Click the links to learn more about ASL, VSL, and Deaf history in the United States.

The History of American Sign Language
In the wake of his father’s recent hearing loss, Don learns ASL to communicate.

History of American Sign Language

Learn the Vietnamese Sign Language Alphabet
Dau, Don’s Father, learns VSL to continue to connect with his Vietnamese community.


Learn Basic Vietnamese Sign Language
Dau learns VSL through YouTube videos like this one.


Gallaudet University’s History Through Deaf Eyes
Gallaudet University (a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students) created the “Deaf Eyes” project to bring deaf history to the public and expand understanding of U.S. history. 

History through deaf eyes