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http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060701/NEWS01/60701013/1008
Using American Sign Language, Gov. Ernie Fletcher greeted the crowd Saturday at the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. There was much applause — but little noise.
Most of the “clapping” by the audience at the DeaFestival was done by fluttering their hands in the air, the deaf symbol for clapping.
Hosted by the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a showcase for deaf performers, the DeaFestival has been held seven times since its inception in 1996. In the beginning it attracted only 3,000 people, said Fletcher, but now draws around 10,000.
“You are showing the deaf and hard of hearing children that they can be anything they want to be,” the governor said.
The idea behind the free event is to draw attention to the deaf experience and way of life through visual and performance art, said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, executive director of the commission, who spoke in sign language that was interpreted by a translator with the festival.
Held every other year since 1998, Scroggins signed that she hopes the festival brings a greater awareness to deaf issues.
“People don’t hear a lot about deaf people in general. This is our opportunity to show we are here,” she said.
Although much of the crowd at the Belvedere and Kentucky Center came from Kentuckiana, Scroggins said the event is increasingly attracting people — deaf, hard of hearing and hearing — from other nearby areas.
Bruce Voltz, who is deaf, and his wife Lisa and daughter Jade, who aren’t, came from Indianapolis for the daylong event.
“I’m going to go around chat, look around, just talk, talk, talk,” Voltz signed.
Becky Harrington waited six years to make it to the festival. A housewife from West Virginia, she finally was able to talk her husband, Mike, into going with her.
The couple, who are both deaf, and their two hearing children ate lunch, watched some performances and wandered around saying hello to friends.
For years, Harrington said, her friends have been telling her how great the festival is.
“Finally I’m here. Wo hah,” she signed.
Cochise and Lisa Zornoza have been coming since 1998. This year the Frankfort couple, who are both deaf, brought their two sons, ages 16 and 16 months, who are also deaf.
“The deaf performances provide good role models for my children,” signed Lisa Zornoza.
Using American Sign Language, Gov. Ernie Fletcher greeted the crowd Saturday at the Belvedere in downtown Louisville. There was much applause — but little noise.
Most of the “clapping” by the audience at the DeaFestival was done by fluttering their hands in the air, the deaf symbol for clapping.
Hosted by the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and a showcase for deaf performers, the DeaFestival has been held seven times since its inception in 1996. In the beginning it attracted only 3,000 people, said Fletcher, but now draws around 10,000.
“You are showing the deaf and hard of hearing children that they can be anything they want to be,” the governor said.
The idea behind the free event is to draw attention to the deaf experience and way of life through visual and performance art, said Bobbie Beth Scoggins, executive director of the commission, who spoke in sign language that was interpreted by a translator with the festival.
Held every other year since 1998, Scroggins signed that she hopes the festival brings a greater awareness to deaf issues.
“People don’t hear a lot about deaf people in general. This is our opportunity to show we are here,” she said.
Although much of the crowd at the Belvedere and Kentucky Center came from Kentuckiana, Scroggins said the event is increasingly attracting people — deaf, hard of hearing and hearing — from other nearby areas.
Bruce Voltz, who is deaf, and his wife Lisa and daughter Jade, who aren’t, came from Indianapolis for the daylong event.
“I’m going to go around chat, look around, just talk, talk, talk,” Voltz signed.
Becky Harrington waited six years to make it to the festival. A housewife from West Virginia, she finally was able to talk her husband, Mike, into going with her.
The couple, who are both deaf, and their two hearing children ate lunch, watched some performances and wandered around saying hello to friends.
For years, Harrington said, her friends have been telling her how great the festival is.
“Finally I’m here. Wo hah,” she signed.
Cochise and Lisa Zornoza have been coming since 1998. This year the Frankfort couple, who are both deaf, brought their two sons, ages 16 and 16 months, who are also deaf.
“The deaf performances provide good role models for my children,” signed Lisa Zornoza.
