![International Deaf Awareness Month](https://asdb.az.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DAM-1080x675.png)
International Deaf Awareness Month
Celebrating International Deaf Awareness Month is a great way to connect with each other online. Let’s continue to be #TogetherApart!#ACDHHDAW #DeafAwarenessMonth
![attached is an image that has 4 colored boxes. The first box is purple, the text inside reads: “Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Deaf Awareness Month.” The next box is orange, the text inside on the right side reads: “Why do we celebrate Deaf Awareness Month? The International Week of the Deaf (IWD) is an initiative of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and was first launched in 1958 in Rome, Italy. It is celebrated annually by the global Deaf Community during the last full week of September to commemorate the same month the first World Congress of the WFD was held. The International Week for the Deaf is celebrated through various activities by Deaf Communities all around the world. These activities and events welcome the participation of all members of deaf communities, which include families of deaf people, professional and accredited sign language interpreters, peers, as well as the involvement of various stakeholders such as national governments, national, and international human rights organizations, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities.” The text on the left reads “Hashtags #DeafAwarenessMonth #ACDHHDAW” The next box is green, the text on the right side reads: “How can you celebrate? Host Deaf Awareness event, Read books written by Deaf authors, Provide access (sign language interpreters and captioning) at your event, vlogs or online events, Host a fundraiser and donate to a Deaf organization, Share Deaf stories, jokes, and poetry by a Deaf Person, Support Deaf owned businesses and artists.” On the left it reads: “Tips Avoid using terms: hearing impaired, deaf-mute, or can’t hear, Check in with Deaf persons to get input on what terminology they prefer, Learn sign language from a Deaf person, Buy sign language arts by Deaf Artists/Deaf Businesses.” The next box is white, the text inside reads: “Arizona Commission for the Deaf and The Hard of Hearing WWW.ACDHH.ORG info@ACDHH.az.gov (602) 542-3323 V (480) 559-9441 VP Follow @azcdhh (with the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube icons under it) Questions? Contact Kimberly Minard, Deaf Specialist Email: k.minard@acdhh.az.gov VP: (480) 360-1148” at the bottom is the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing’s Logo.](https://asdb.az.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/DAM-410x1024.png)
Celebrating International Deaf Awareness Month is a great way to connect with each other online. Let’s continue to be #TogetherApart!#ACDHHDAW #DeafAwarenessMonth
By Hannah Tiede| August 18, 2020 at 11:40 AM MST – Updated August 18 at 11:40 AM
TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) – Schools across Pima County are starting classes remotely, but what if your child cannot hear? Or see? Or both? This adds a whole new set of obstacles to an already challenging school year.
The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind in Tucson says it’s not letting anything get in the way of education.
“Unlike other schools in Tucson, we serve students across the state,” said Principal Kelly Creasy. “As far as Tuba City, Yuma, Page.”
On Monday, transportation employees drove across Arizona, delivering school supplies to 116 students.
“Every tote that we are sending out to students is really specifically catered to their needs,” said Creasy. “We have been looking at the Governor’s order, looking at the local health officials and just talking to everyone involved. A lot of our kids have underlying health conditions so that played a role in our decision making.”
Classes will remain online at least until October in accordance with the recommendations from Pima County health officials.
Teachers like Latrina Lewis are already feeling a void in their students’ absence.
“Oh, tremendously!” Lewis signed. “I miss seeing them in person, yes.”
On Tuesday, August 18th, Lewis will log onto Zoom for the first day of class.
“I will be videotaping myself in sign language, letting them know the instructions, our schedule,” she signed.
Students with hearing impairments were sent a Chromebook.
“[And our blind students] use braille NoteTouches, which is a braille device almost like a laptop,” Creasy said.
The principal says students who are both deaf and blind face additional hurtles with remote learning.
“That’s where it gets a little trickier and that’s where we really count on working with parents,” Creasy said.
She adds it won’t be forever.
“Our goal is to have our students on campus,” said Creasy. “That’s really what we wanted right from the get-go. So, as soon as it’s safe to do so, that’s our plan.”