AURORA of Central New York

Kelley Cooper, Aurora's Director of Deaf Services

Aurora’s participation in Deaf Awareness Week 2012 was a panel presentation and work shop for the hearing community to educate on Deaf Culture entitled DEAF THAT! There was a standing room only crowd for the presentation that was facilitated by Kelley Cooper, Director of Deaf Services.  The diverse and very informative panel included Isabella Sterly: Jeff Sterly; Andrea O’Brien; Steve Singer; Shauna Smith and Antonio DelBrocco.  The event went beyond its two hour limit with many interesting questions from the audience and stories from the panelists and audience members alike! 

Deaf THAT! Panel

The panelists shared their personal experiences of being Deaf in a hearing world and gave advice and information on how to communicate. Issues of access and the use of interpreters were also addressed.  The audience was made up of members from many community organizations and businesses such as Syracuse University, ENABLE and the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped.  Interpreters for the event were Maggie Russell, Michelle Pilchen and Nicole Rambo.

Thank you to all who came and participated!