For two decades, Wright State University has welcomed thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members to the biannual Deaf Festival.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s festival, held on Nov. 8 in the Student Union\u2019s Appollo Room, attracted more than 800 attendees for a day of face painting, balloon animals, an array of vendors and a performance by Magic Morgan and Liliana, who used American Sign Language to perform comedy and magic.<\/p>\n
Dayton Police Officer Dan Mamula, who learned sign language as a child, represented his Police Department at the festival and handed out gifts to children and speaking with families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful,\u201d Mamula said. \u201cThey get to ask questions they don\u2019t normally get to ask to officers because of the barrier of sign language.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deron Emmons, co-director of Deaf Festival 2025, said the festivals are an essential gathering place for the deaf and hard of hearing community, while also providing an invaluable learning opportunity for Wright State students.<\/p>\n
\u201cWright State has provided accessibility for years,\u201d said Emmons. \u201cIt\u2019s a great opportunity for the students here at Wright State to expose themselves to the deaf community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emmons said increasing interaction between members of the deaf community and hearing individuals helps foster understanding and new opportunities for everyone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For two decades, Wright State University has welcomed thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members to the biannual Deaf Festival. Continue reading