National Conference for the Deaf hosted by the Oklahoma School for the Deaf

SULPHUR, Okla. — The Oklahoma School for the Deaf (OSD) will be hosting the national conference of the American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) June 24 – 28, 2009 in Sulphur, OK.

The ASDC convention is held biennially for families of deaf children as an opportunity to access information to help them with education, parenting, communication and technology in raising a child with deafness. More than 200 participants, including Oklahoma families sponsored by the State Department of Education, will attend workshops, see exhibits and make family connections.

“OSD is honored to host the conference and is deeply committed to supporting families of deaf children,” Larry Hawkins, superintendent, said. “For parents who live in isolated areas, this convention is literally the main — and in some cases, the only — opportunity they have to meet other parents and professionals in the field of deafness and gain the support and knowledge they need.”

Opening ceremonies for the conference participants will begin at 6:00 pm on June 24, 2009. The Wednesday night festivities are called “Round Up” and will feature 10 food booths including buffalo burgers, tamales, barbecue, and hotdogs. Children of all ages will enjoy a rock climbing wall, a wagon ride, a petting zoo provided by Arbuckle Wilderness, a pig-themed train and face painting, just to name a few. Special guest presenters will be the Chickasaw Dancers, square dancers and the Buffalo Soldiers, Vernon Chapter, who will set up an encampment.

The conference will continue through Sunday with an Indian Cultural night on Thursday, attendance at a rodeo on Friday and a celebration banquet on Saturday. Deaf children and their hearing siblings will have a children’s program with numerous activities, such as swimming at Turner Falls and laser tag. During the day, Thursday – Sunday, adult participants will have the opportunity to attend presentations on topics from the newest technology, cochlear implants and sign language to getting ready for college.

The conference will also host special guest speakers Friday and Saturday morning. Friday morning at 9:00 am, Emmy award winner Rachel Coleman from “Signing Times” will share her inspirational story as a parent of children with special needs, including deafness. Her program will be held in the OSD auditorium and is open to the public for the admission of $10.00 at the door. This is the only event open to the general public.

Ed Bosso, Dean of the Clerc Center, Gallaudet University, will be the conference keynote speaker and will present his address on Saturday morning at 9:00 am. Bosso is an active member within deaf education and has served as an administrator for schools for the deaf. He is also a board member for the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools for the Deaf (CEASD), the accreditation association for schools for the deaf.

In addition to offering presentations, information and whole lot of fun, OSD also will introduce visitors to some of Oklahoma’s treasures, such as museums, shopping, western and Native American cultural activities and, of course, its great hospitality.

For more information, contact Larry Hawkins, OSD superintendent at
(580) 622-4900V/TDD.

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