The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is honouring 200 years of American Sign Language (ASL).

 ASL is a visual-gestural language used by thousands of Canadians connected to the Deaf Community.

The museum has two events scheduled, including a presentation by Rick Zimmer, who experienced physical punishment for his use of sign language during his childhood.

"You have the right, as a person, to express yourself in the language that you grew up with, that you're comfortable with," explained CMHR Interpretive Program Developer Amber Parker. "I just think that sign language is really interesting to watch going on around you."

Another program celebrating the diversity of the Deaf Community will include presentations by local students from the Manitoba School for the Deaf and the Deaf Studies program at Red River College. ASL story-tellers and 100 Decibels Deaf mime troupe will also perform.

"Deaf Culture is it's own cultural entity, and we do want people to become more aware of that." Parker said.

These events are free, 2-3 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m. on May 17.

"It's a great way to build understanding between different ways of communicating and different groups in our local communities."