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Deaf Events in NYC - A Comprehensive Guide
This guide offers resources for listings of Deaf and signing events throughout the New York City area. Whether you're looking for Deaf theater or an ASL coffee chat, there is no shortage of options in NYC. Each resource contains a link to the most recent calendar of events. If you know about other resources or listings of Deaf events in the New york City area, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom of this page.
DeafNYC
DeafNYC is a hub for all sorts of Deaf-related information for the New York City area, including employment listings, housing and roommates ads, entertainment listings, and other resources. Their events page lists dozens of upcoming events for signers and the Deaf community. They list conferences, movie nights, ice skating events, coffee chats, and much more.
Lexington School for the Deaf & Center for the Deaf
The Lexington School was founded in 1865 and is the largest school for deaf students in the state of New York. The school educates children from ages 0-21. In addition to community ASL courses, the school also hosts a number of events for the Deaf community. Events include performances, comedy nights, craft fairs, and more. Check their calendar for a list of upcoming events.
New York Deaf Theatre
Founded in 1979, the New York Deaf Theatre (NYDT) is a non-profit, professional theatre company that produces plays in American Sign Language. NYDT is the longest running company of its kind in the greater New York City area and the third oldest Deaf Theatre company in America.The majority of its Board of Directors is Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard of hearing. The company has presented over 150 plays, including "Hearing Test and Twenty-Five Cents", "Poe Unleashed", Sign Me Alice", "Brilliant Traces", "Profile Of A Deaf Peddler", "The Gin Game, "Language Of One", "The Waterfalls", "Night Mother", "Veronica's Room", "Beyond Therapy", "Broken Spokes", and "Hamlet". Check their web site for a schedule of upcoming performances.
New York City Black Deaf Advocates (NYCBDA)
NYCBDA is the New York City chapter of National Black Deaf Advocates, a national advocacy organization for Deaf and hard-of-hearing African Americans. NYCBDA serves New York City and the outer-boroughs. They offer a rich selection of services and events, including an annual cookout, cultural awareness activities, and safety workshops. They also host the annual Miss Deaf Black NYC pageant.
ASL Slam
Founded in 2005, ASL Slam is "a monthly event that offers the stage to audience members to come up and rap, rhapsodize and rehash or just to relate in sign language..." ASL Slam will sometimes also feature performing artists at their events. The event happens at Pioneers Bar in New York City.
Long Island New York Deaf Facebook Page
The group’s facebook page is regularly updated with activities and events relevant to the Deaf community, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for events on Long Island. Events have included Deaf/ASL Summer Hangouts, roller skating parties, "Open ASL Night," and various movie and social events.
Deaf Meetups and ASL Meetups
Meetup.com lists a number of Deaf and ASL meetup groups in the New York City area. If you’re Deaf or hard of hearing, Deaf Meetups are a great way to connect with other members of the Deaf community in the NYC area. If you’re Deaf or hearing, ASL meetups are a great way to get extra practice with Deaf people and other hearing people who are learning ASL.
DeafNation Expo
DeafNation Expos are massive events featuring exhibitions and entertainment by and for Deaf people. Each year, DeafNation hosts 10-15 expos across the United States. The last DeafNation expo to be held in New York City took place in September 2012. There are no expos in New York City for 2014, but there will be an expo in Boston on September 27, 2014. Check their web site for a full schedule of Expos across the U.S.
Other Topics of Interest
- American Sign Language Classes in NYC - A Comprehensive Guide
A comprehensive listing of schools offering ASL classes in the New York City area, including interpreter training and other degree programs. - Can Deaf People Drive? - Fighting for a Basic Right
If Deaf people can't hear, how can they drive? Plus, find out which countries allow Deaf people to drive and which countries still deny Deaf people this fundamental right. - Deaf Culture Facts That Might Surprise You
You might be surprised to learn some of these differences between Deaf and hearing culture.