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Deaf Students Perform National Anthem at Phillies Game
Deaf students from Pennsylvania School for the Deaf perform national anthem at Phillies game, aiming to boost community visibility.
In brief
Deaf students from Pennsylvania School for the Deaf perform national anthem at Phillies game, aiming to boost community visibility. Deaf students performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park using American Sign Language to showcase their community and promote awareness during Deaf Awareness Month. Originally…
Deaf Students Perform National Anthem
Students from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night alongside a choir from Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School.
“Students from the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf attended a Phillies game and performed the national anthem in ASL alongside a choir from Northern Burlington County Regional Middle School in New Jersey.”
Deaf Community Experience Games Differently
Deaf people often feel more attentive to game details than hearing people, focusing on visual cues rather than sound.
“Deaf people often feel like they are more attentive to the game, the details of the game, as opposed to hearing people.”
Deaf Applause Rhythms
Deaf fans use a shimmering motion called deaf applause, sometimes likened to jazz hands, to express crowd energy.
“Deaf fans use the American Sign Language equivalent called the deaf applause, a shimmering motion sometimes likened to "jazz hands."”
Deaf Awareness Month Event
About 100 Pennsylvania School for the Deaf students, teachers, and family members watched peers perform the national anthem during Deaf Awareness Month.
“About 100 PSD students, joined by teachers and family members, watched their peers from the stands as part of an event celebrating Deaf Awareness Month in September.”
Pennsylvania School for the Deaf History
Founded in Germantown in 1820, the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf is the third-oldest school for the deaf in the United States.
“PSD was founded in Germantown in 1820 and is the third-oldest school for the deaf in the United States.”
Deaf Employment Challenges
More than 40% of deaf adults in the U.S. are not employed, but increased visibility helps break down barriers to opportunity.
“More than 40% of deaf adults in the U.S. are not employed, Draganac-Hawk said, but giving the public more exposure to the capabilities of deaf people helps break down barriers to opportunity.”
Ciarra Coleman's Vision
Ciarra Coleman, a senior at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, wants the public to gain respect for the deaf community's culture and history rather than viewing them through sympathy.
“Ciarra Coleman, a senior at PSD, was among the students who performed the anthem Friday night.”
Deaf Community Strengths
Deaf people are more than broken; they have leaders, contributions to the world, and potential that the public often overlooks.
“Deaf people are more than just broken. We have so much, so many leaders and people who really contribute to the world, and (people) have no idea.”
ASL as a Language
American Sign Language is the third-most commonly used language in the U.S. behind English and Spanish, with rich detail and localized gestures.
“American Sign Language is now the third-most commonly used language in the U.S. behind English and Spanish. It's deeply nuanced, often rich in detail and even includes localized gestures that can convey slang terms in a Philly "accent."”
Deaf Students at Phillies Game
Levi Stokes, a PSD student from Chester, got his first chance to set foot on a baseball field during the event.
“Levi Stokes, another PSD student from Chester, got his first chance to set foot on a baseball field Friday night.”
Phillies' Postseason Plans
The Phillies clinched a wild-card berth with their 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays and head to Atlanta to start their postseason run against the Braves on Tuesday.
“The Phillies' final homestand of the regular season appeared bleak until the bats came alive on Sunday and the team clinched a wild-card berth with their 7-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.”
Deaf Community Integration
Deaf people use non-verbal communication, and the presence of interpreters helps bridge gaps in understanding between deaf and hearing communities.
“For the hearing community, there's an etiquette to working with an interpreter during a conversation with a deaf person. For example, it's polite to keep eye contact and speak directly with the conversation partner rather than the interpreter.”
Future ASL Integration
The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf hopes to show signing on big screens at future Phillies games to improve accessibility.
“Our hope is that we show signing on the big screen in the future.”
Deaf Community Call to Action
Deaf students encourage the public to learn American Sign Language and interact with the deaf community to build understanding.
“Don't be afraid to learn something. We're more than willing to help you guys. We're open and friendly.”
The main idea
Deaf students performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park using American Sign Language to showcase their community and promote awareness during Deaf Awareness Month.
