Category Archives: In the Community

In the Community: Upcoming Programs at MD Libraries

Posted on by
Reply

Sunshine 2.0: LIFE ON EARTH

Thursday, August 15, 2019 | 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM at Edgewater Community Library, 25 Stepneys Lane, Edgewater, Maryland 21037

Sunshine 2.0, a theatre touring company from the Rochester Institute of Technology/National Technical Institute of the Deaf (RIT/NTID), will present Life on Earth which is an interactive sign language and spoken English play about a team of scientists who must save the Earth from an evil blob. Enjoy sign-mime, dance, ASL poetry, songs, and storytelling. Co-sponsored by Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library and the Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL). More information here. 

MEET THE AUTHOR: SOFIA SEITCHIK

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Germantown Library, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown, Maryland 20874

In commemoration of International Week of the Deaf, join us as we meet
author Sofia Seitchik who will share her experiences writing and publishing
her book “The Light of Deaf Women: Inspirational Stories from Visionaries,
Artists, Founders and Entrepreneurs.” In addition, meet Deaf Marylanders
featured in the book who will also share their stories. “The Light of Deaf Women: Inspirational Stories from Visionaries, Artists, Founders, and Entrepreneurs” is a book aimed to motivate all kinds of people to go after their dreams, channel their inner artist, take that leap to found an organization, or even to start their own business. The book has over 80 stories of Deaf women with diverse identities, backgrounds, and journeys.

Following the program, the author will sell and sign her books. Light refreshments will be available.This program is co-sponsored by the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library. More information

“In the Community” posts feature events not affiliated with or sponsored by Stories By Hand, and are shared as a public service.

It’s not too late to register for ASL Camp and Deaf Camp!

Posted on by
Reply

Deaf Camp and American Sign Language Camp at Manidokan Camp and Retreat Center in Knoxville, MD. Residential camp for ages 7-18; July 28-August 2, 2019    $485

Transparent Logo jpegReady, set, sign! Campers will participate in swimming, hiking, religious education, and chapel, as well as learning the basics of American Sign Language through informal daily lessons, and then using what they learn through shared activities with Deaf campers! Campers will be grouped by age based on enrollment. Older ASL campers will share lodging and all daily activities with Deaf campers.  Click here for more information.

 

 

Click, bid, and support Deaf Camps, Inc.!

Posted on by
Reply

The Deaf Camps, Inc. 2019 Online Auction is open for bids through May 15! Lots of cool stuff – including handmade items, gift certificates, event tickets, autographed books, manuscript and query critiques from agents Steven Malk, Hannah Mann, and Andrea Morrison of Writers House, and a 30-minute call with internationally bestselling author Bruce Coville!  All proceeds support Deaf Camps, Inc’s 2019 scholarship program.

Deaf Camps, Inc. is an organization close to my heart. I have been on the board for almost 20 years. It is an entirely volunteer-run nonprofit whose mission is to create fun, safe, communication-rich camp for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and children learning American Sign Language. Please check it out, bid, and share widely!

Here are just a few of the items up for bid:

 

Bid now!

More about Deaf Camps, Inc.:

deaf camps inc logoDeaf Camps, Inc. is an entirely volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to providing fun, safe, communication-rich camps that promote the physical, spiritual, and social development of Deaf/hard of hearing children and children learning American Sign Language.

 

Check out all the items for bid here and make your bids, knowing that every dollar raised goes straight to Deaf Camps, Inc.’s 2019 Scholarship Fund. Thank you for helping us bring needy kids to camp!

The DCI Online Auction is run through CharityAuctionsToday.com. A credit card is required to register and bid.

 

In the Community: Free ASL Performances at MD Libraries

Posted on by
Reply

Check out these exciting FREE upcoming library programs sponsored by the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library!

Sunshine 2.0., a nationally known theatre touring company based at RIT/NTID in Rochester, NY, will present “Life on Earth,” an interactive play fully accessible in American Sign Language and spoken English, at three Maryland public libraries during the month of February. Sunshine 2.0 is a professional traveling theater troupe based at Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) in Rochester, NY. The troupe provides performances and activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults that highlight the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) as well as educational topics pertaining to the Deaf experience.

Showtimes and locations:

Spauldings branch of Prince George’s County Public Libraries: Saturday, February 2 at 2:15 PM.

C. Burr Artz Library branch of the Frederick County Public Libraries: Sunday, February 3 at 2:00 PM.

Owings Mills Branch Library of Baltimore County Public Libraries: Sunday, February 10 at 2:00 PM.

In addition, Sunshine 2.0 will give a workshop called “Express Yourself: Movement/Creative Expression through American Sign Language and Gestures” at the Silver Spring Library branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries on Saturday, February 2 at 10:30 AM. For ages 7 and older. Registration required: bit.ly/2R5enFU
ASL signers and non-signers welcome.

For more information, contact the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library at MarylandDCDL@montgomerycountymd.gov

Program offerings featured in “In the Community” posts are not affiliated with Stories by Hand and are shared to spread the word about other ASL learning opportunities.

In the Community: ASL / English Children’s Storytime at the Germantown Library

Posted on by
Reply
ASL / English Children’s Storytime
Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:30 AM – For all ages – at the Germantown Library
Join guest Deaf Storyteller Roberta Mather Brown and Children’s Librarian for a special bilingual story time in both American Sign Language and English. They will also introduce color signs through games, rhymes, and stories.

This storytime is for all ages and is sponsored by MCPL and the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library.

Program offerings featured in “In the Community” posts are not affiliated with Stories by Hand and are shared to spread the word about other ASL learning opportunities.

In the Community: Holiday and Crafty Fun with Deaf Camps, Inc.

Posted on by
Reply

Saturday, December 8th from 2pm-5pm
Christ Deaf Church
1040 South Beechfield Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21229

Join Deaf Camps, Inc. to get into the holiday spirit! All signing levels are welcome to the fun! Admission is $5.00 and caregivers are free with their child’s admission fee!

Our Christmas Party includes:
-a visit with Signing Santa
-ASL Storytelling
-Snacks
-Crafts
-One free picture with Santa per child. (Additional pictures available for a small fee.)

All proceeds benefit Deaf Camps, Inc.’s 2019 scholarship fund.

Sip, Craft, and Sign with DCI!

 

Thursday, December 13, 6:30pm at Made Me Mine, 3101 Emmorton Rd #A6, Abingdon, MD 21009

Join us for a night of crafting that holds endless possibilities, to support Deaf Camps, Inc.! At this workshop, we will be creating a one-of-a-kind custom sign out of pallet planks designed by YOU! Customize your stencil at checkout with your quote, and whatever cheery holiday image you’d like. We will prepare a personalized stencil just for you to ensure that your project turns out perfectly. Bring a bottle of wine or something to turn our complimentary hot cocoa bar from nice to naughty!

DCI will provide American Sign Language interpretation for this event.

$45 per person. You MUST reserve tickets ahead of time for this event. Buy tickets HERE.

Deaf Camps, Inc. is a volunteer-run non-profit organization dedicated to providing fun, safe, communication-rich camps that promote the physical, spiritual, and social development of Deaf/hard of hearing children and children learning American Sign Language. Learn more about the organization at DeafCampsInc.org.

In the Community: Free ASL Classes at Germantown Library

Posted on by
Reply

American Sign Language for Beginners

Sundays, October 7, 14, 21, 28 and November 4, 2018 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County Public Libraries, Germantown Library

19840 Century Blvd
Germantown, MD 20874

Register online on the library website on or after September 20.

Five sessions (FREE) for individuals who wish to learn basic American Sign Language. For ages 14 and over.

The emphasis of this class will be on vocabulary development, conversation and practice. These sessions are appropriate for family members, teachers, child care providers, students 14 and older, and anyone who wishes to learn sign language.

To request deaf/hard of hearing services for library-sponsored programs, email MCPL.DeafAccess@montgomerycountymd.gov, preferably with three business days’ notice. To request other accommodations, contact the Germantown Library.

Sponsored by Montgomery County Association of Hearing Impaired Children (MCAHIC), Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library.

Note: This is not a Stories By Hand program. “In the Community” items are shared on this site in the interest of getting the word out about great ASL programs in the area.

In the Community: NAOBI-DC BBQ

Posted on by
Reply

The National Alliance of Black Interpreters – DC (NAOBI-DC) will be hosting a family-friendly cookout on July 7th, from 1-5pm in Takoma Piney Branch Park (2 Darwin Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20910). The charge for attendance is either one side dish, or $10 per family. Contact NAOBIDCBBQ@gmail.com with questions.

Program offerings featured in “In the Community” posts are not affiliated with Stories by Hand and are shared to spread the word about other ASL learning opportunities.

In the Community: Free ASL Classes at the Germantown Library

Posted on by
Reply

American Sign Language for Beginners

FIVE FREE SESSIONS

Sundays, April 8, 15, 22, 29 & May 6, 2018
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Montgomery County Public Libraries, Germantown Library (Lower Level)
19840 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874

Co-sponsored by Montgomery County Association of Hearing Impaired Children (MCAHIC), Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library.

In commemoration of Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15), join us.

The emphasis of this class will be placed on communication with deaf and hard of hearing individuals through vocabulary development, conversation, and practice. These sessions are appropriate for family members, teachers, child care providers, students ages 14 and older, and anyone who wishes to learn sign language. Beginning 3/19, register online at the library website or call us.

Register online at the library website or call the Germantown Library at  240-777-0110.

Note: These classes are not affiliated by Stories By Hand.  This information is provided as a resource to those seeking ASL instruction in the community.

New Developments for Maryland’s Deaf Culture Digital Library

Posted on by
Reply

Things are moving ahead for Maryland’s Deaf Culture Digital Library, the first of its kind in the country!  Congratulations to Montgomery County Public Library for being selected to host this amazing resource.

Here’s the latest press release:

For Immediate Release: 6/22/2015

Montgomery County Public Libraries Selected to Manage Maryland’s Deaf Culture Digital Library
County Executive Ike Leggett has announced that Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)has been selected by the Maryland State Division of Library Development and Services (MS-DLDS) as the site of the State’s Deaf Culture Digital Library (DCDL).“This is a true honor for Montgomery County Public Libraries,” Leggett said. “It is a well-deserved recognition of our library system’s long tradition of helping to identify and address the needs of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community for resources, collections, programs and technologies.”

Irene Padilla, assistant state superintendent of Libraries (Division of Library Development and Services) said, “Montgomery County Public Libraries’ services are renowned throughout the state of Maryland and across the nation. We are excited that MCPL has agreed to work with the MS-DLDS to ensure that the Deaf Culture Digital Library is the ‘first stop’ information center that will furnish statewide access to deaf resources. DCDL will provide highly competent assistance to Maryland residents and library staff in local public library systems, academic librarians in colleges and universities, and other libraries in the State of Maryland.”

“It’s a privilege and honor to be selected as a site for the DCDL,” said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton. “The Deaf Culture Digital Library is important to MCPL and the community, because it will improve availability and access to a comprehensive collection on deaf culture and programs that will help lead to better appreciation and awareness of deaf culture and the deaf community. We look forward to making resources more readily available to customers in the State of Maryland.”

The groundwork to formalize the foundation of the Deaf Culture Digital Library will take place in 2016, beginning with formation of the DCDL Advisory Board. The Division of Library Development and Services will begin taking applications for membership on the Board in the fall. The Deaf Culture Digital Library will be staffed with a full-time coordinator and an assistant. Additional details will be announced as they become available during the months ahead.

The final report to the Governor on the Deaf Culture Digital Library may be seen at:
http://tinyurl.com/o3dcb7o.

For more information about the Deaf Culture Digital Library, contact Susan Cohen at 301-637-2964 or Irene Padilla, 410-767-0444.
Release ID: 15-250
Media Contact: Bonnie Ayers 240-777-6507