The Story of Signing Is Art

Signing Is Art (SIA) is a woman and minority-owned business that blends culture, language, and advocacy to uplift and celebrate Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Founded by Kamil Gerald, a hard-of-hearing woman based in Western New York, SIA was born from her lived experience and passion for promoting inclusivity in all forms of communication especially sign language.

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Kamil recognized that while American Sign Language (ASL) is the predominant form of sign language used in the United States, it is just one of over 300 different sign languages and dialects used across the world. Yet, Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who come to the U.S. from other countries are often expected to not only learn English but to also abandon their native sign language in favor of ASL. This erasure of linguistic identity is both unnecessary and unfair. SIA exists to challenge that norm. Through art, apparel, workshops, and community engagement, the business shines a spotlight on the global diversity of sign languages. Kamil’s mission is to educate the Western New York community about the rich variety of sign languages and to advocate for the right of individuals to sign in their native language, just as spoken language users do.

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Each piece created by Signing is Art carries a message of unity, accessibility, and cultural respect. The designs not only highlight the beauty of signing but also spark conversations about Deaf culture, language rights, and the importance of inclusive communication. More than just a brand, SIA is a movement, one that’s pushing for a more compassionate and multilingual future, where all forms of sign language are recognized, honored, and embraced.