Deaf Fiesta offers opportunities for families to connect

Ellensburg, WA — Families gathered at Central Washington University on Sept. 26 for the Deaf Fiesta, an opportunity for Latine families with Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing children to connect with resources, meet other families in their area, and have fun. The event was presented by Latino Deaf organization Manos de Washington and sponsored by DSHS’ Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth, among others.

ODHH Director Earnest Covington III gives a presentation to families attending the Deaf Fiesta

Director Earnest Covington III was on hand to speak to families about the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the services staff can provide, including family mentor programs, assistive technology and more. ODHH also hosted a booth at the Deaf Fiesta, where parents were able to ask questions and even sign up for adaptive equipment.

“This event is inspiring for parents of deaf and hard of hearing watching successful deaf individuals presenting and sharing their journeys and their careers,” says Suzanne Manella, Program Manager at ODHH. “This is a wonderful environment where the children can see and meet deaf and hard of hearing role models.”

ODHH Case Manager Shalawn Childs helps a parent fill out an application for adaptive communication equipment (L), while ODHH Director Earnest Covington III communicates with a community member.

Morgan Jericho, a Management Analyst 4 with ODHH, gave a presentation at the event about the shortage of sign language interpreters in Washington. Jericho was joined by with Patty Liang of Deaf Spotlight and Shanta Corra, who represents the Washington Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Patty Liang of Deaf Spotlight, Shanta Corra of the Washington Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf and Morgan Jericho speak to families at Deaf Fiesta.

Jericho says the Deaf Fiesta was a great opportunity to connect with people who haven’t traditionally connected with the office.

“It was a moment of finding connection based on community celebrations,” Jericho said. “When I learned about the Yakima deaf club, I was shocked to hear that it’s been going on for 150 years and they’re going to celebrate a woman who’s been involved with the deaf club for 84 years. She will be 100 in March.”