Advocating for D/HH people needs!
Have you always wanted to learn ASL but didn’t know where to start?
You’re not alone—and now is the perfect time to begin!
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE DETIALS!!!
https://sites.google.com/view/echoaslstudio/home
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DaRBVcLRcgu/?igsh=MTRuazFwcDQwOXI1bQ==
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOCAL LIBRARIES HOST DEAF AWARENESS
MONTH EVENTS FOR SEPTEMBER
Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, is partnering with two libraries in Sussex County to offer several programs to recognize Deaf Awareness Month during September 2026. The goal of Deaf Awareness Month is to promote awareness about the large Deaf community in the area, the contributions of Deaf people to the arts and literature, and to enhance cultural awareness and understanding of this vibrant community. The South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach will host an art exhibit by Deaf artists, a display of books on Deaf culture and American Sign Language (ASL) and presentations by a Deaf artist, a Deaf author, a Deaf Executive Chef and a children’s art activity introducing children to American Sign Language (ASL). The Lewes Public Library will offer two beginning ASL Classes on September 16th and 23rd. The Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens (DDSC) will be sponsoring and hosting the opening event on September 2, 2026 at the South Coastal Library featuring Deaf artist Tracey Salaway.
Wednesday September 2, 4:30-6:30 pm: Deaf artist and filmmaker presentation
A presentation by Deaf artist and filmmaker Tracey Salaway. Selection of clips from her documentary film on renowned Deaf artist Chuck Baird entitled “American Deaf Artist: Chuck Baird and his Journey.” The presentation will discuss the Deaf View/Image Art movement known as De’VIA, which portrays how Deaf and Deaf-Blind people experience the world, as well as art of other professional Deaf artists. Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Hosted and sponsored by Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens. Location: South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, Meeting Room A and B. Delaware Deaf Senior Citizens https://delawaredeafsc.org/
Tuesday, September 15, 4:00 – 5:30 pm: Deaf author presentation
Dr. Irene Leigh will discuss her new book: Hiding the Holocaust: Memoir of a Deaf Daughter and her journey to understand how her parents’ experiences during the Nazi years resulted not only in her experiences with intergenerational trauma but also resilience generated by her parents’ full acceptance of her as a deaf child. Bring her book for book signing after the presentation (books will not be sold on site). Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Location: South Coastal Library, Meeting Room A and B, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/17266543
Wednesday, September 16, 5:00-6:30 pm: American Sign Language (ASL) Beginner Class This ASL Beginner Class will introduce the manual alphabet (fingerspelling) and basic sign language. There will be interactive fun activities incorporating fingerspelling and basic ASL signs. Instructors Terri Worek and Mary Ann Richmond are retired Deaf educators with extensive teaching experience. Class size is limited to 20 people. Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Location: Lewes Public Library, Large Meeting Room East, 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958. Registration required.
https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/16856967
Thursday, September 17, 5:00-6:30 pm: Deaf Chef Presentation
“Becoming an Executive Chef”. Presentation by Maggie Williamson, Executive Chef at Ocean View Brewing. Ms. Williamson will discuss her journey to become an executive chef in Delaware. She was featured in the December 2025 edition of Delaware Today magazine.
Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Location: South Coastal Library, Meeting Room A and B, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, DE 19930 https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/17239344
Wednesday, September 23, 5:00-6:30 pm. American Sign Language (ASL) Beginner Class.
This ASL Beginner Class will introduce the manual alphabet (fingerspelling) and basic sign language. There will be interactive fun activities incorporating fingerspelling and basic ASL signs. Instructors Terri Worek and Mary Ann Richmond are retired Deaf educators with extensive teaching experience. Class size is limited to 20 people. Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Location: Lewes Public Library, Large Meeting Room East, 111 Adams Avenue, Lewes, DE 19958. Registration required. https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/16856971
Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am-11:30 am. Children’s Program: American Sign Language Through Art for Kids. Instructors: Terri Worek and Mary Ann Richmond, both retired Deaf educators, will teach this class for young students in Grades 1-6. Students will gain exposure to American Sign Language (ASL) and the manual alphabet through art by coloring images of hand shapes and beginning signs in ASL. Registration required; 20 maximum participants. Parents need to remain on site for this class. Interpreting provided by ASL Connections. Location: South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. Meeting Room A and B. https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/event/17007095
For more information:
South Coastal Library, Bethany Beach Events https://delawarelibraries.libcal.com/calendar/southcoastal?cid=9421&t=m&d=2026-09&cal=9421&inc=0
Chef Maggie Williamson, Delaware Today. https://delawaretoday.com/food/women-executive-chefs/#:~:text=Maggie%20Williamson,at%20Ocean%20View%20Brewing%20Company.
Hiding the Holocaust: Memoir of a Deaf Daughter, by Irene Leigh. Purchase from Gallaudet University Press https://gupress.gallaudet.edu/Books/H/Hiding-the-Holocaust
or Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Holocaust-Memoir-Daughter-Lives/dp/1954622309
Original announcement flyer (PDF Format)
