Deaf Awareness Week on September 19- 25 is an opportunity for the hearing community in Buffalo and Western New York to better understand the deaf culture and the challenges facing those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

The Kickoff for Deaf Awareness Week will take place at the Walden Galleria Mall on Saturday, September 19 from 10:00am – 2:00pm in front of Lord & Taylor, with family-friendly activities, information tables and speakers. Look for American Sign Language poetry, videos, and more.

An Open House at St. Mary’s School for the Deaf (2253 Main Street, Buffalo) will take place on Monday, September 21 at 6:00-8:00pm. WYRK’s Dale Mussen will open this event in the Young Assembly Hall. Free, student-led tours of this historic building will be available, featuring stained glass windows in the Chapel.   Visitors are encouraged to visit the SMSD Museum and to meet members of the deaf community, including SMSD students. American Sign Language interpreters and light refreshments will be on hand.

Additional free tours of St. Mary’s School for the Deaf will be offered on Wednesday, September 23 from 10:00-11:30am and from 1:00-2:30pm. A free survival American Sign Language workshop will also be offered on Wednesday by Deaf Access Services (DAS) at the Tri-Main Center (2495 Main Street) from 12:00-2:00pm. Deaf comedian Noah Buchholz will perform at NorthPoint Church (321 Columbia Avenue, Depew) from 6:00-8:00pm. This is also a free event.

Join St. Mary’s School for the Deaf for some fun, family-friendly bingo on Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Gallagher Gym and raise funds for the school. Or join Deaf Access Services at Pinot’s Palett Painting (9570 Transit Road) for a fun, colorful evening of wine and art on Friday, September 25 from 6:30-9:30pm to support the activities of this important community organization.

The goals of Deaf Awareness Week are to empower those who are deaf and hard of hearing by raising awareness of, promoting better understanding of and celebrating their unique language and culture in the community at large. For additional information about Deaf Awareness Week activities, please go to smsdk12.org or the St. Mary’s School for the Deaf Facebook page.