The deaf population hasn't officially been counted in the U.S. Census since 1971, but local outreach specialists say the population is growing.

Donna Day, Outreach Specialist for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing for Access Independence, says, "We're just basically just like everyone else. We can work, we can play, we can go to the movies, we can go to dinner, we can go bowling, that kind of stuff. We just can't hear as well as you all can."

Wednesday marks the beginning of Deaf Awareness Week events here in the community.

You can learn about deaf cultures, technology, sign language and much more.

Day tells TV3, "Just be aware that there is help and resources available. If you have a loved one with hearing loss, we're here to help you so they're not isolated at home or doing nothing because they can come out of the house, you know, and do something."

In celebration of Deaf Awareness Week, you are cordially invited to attend any of all our the events below. RSVP is appreciated.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH: 11AM-2PM. EXHIBITORS INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR THE DEAF COMMUNITY WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT BOWMAN-JAMES PUBLIC LIBRARY IN STEPHENS CITY.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24th: 4:00-6:00 PM. DEAF OUTREACH OPEN HOUSE @ ACCESS INDEPENDENCE. Come see DEMONSTRATION of assisting devices for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Learn more about the Video Relay, Baby Signs Programs and how Access Independence Deaf Outreach services can help you or a loved one. Resources will be available. Cupcakes will be donated from our local business for us to enjoy!
IMMEDIATELY AFTER OPEN HOUSE: 6:00 PM. Please stay & join us for a fun-filled evening of rubber stamping cards for
OPERATION GRATITUDE! We will be learning to make creative Christmas cards to donate and send to our military in time for the holidays!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH: 5:30 PM- SILENT SUPPER POTLUCK @ ACCESS INDEPENDENCE! BRING A COVERED DISH TO SHARE.
MEATS AND DRINKS WILL BE AVAILABLE.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH: 4:30 PM- FREE BABY SIGNS® INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION & STORYTIME WITH BEEBO, THE BABY SIGNS BEAR, @ ACCESS INDEPENDENCE. Resources and Baby Signs® products are available for purchases.
15% of the proceeds will go to support Deaf Outreach of Access Independence.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH: OPEN-CAPTIONED MOVIE AT THE ALAMO DRAFT THEATER. TITLE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER SEPTEMBER 17TH. WATCH FOR MORE DETAIL SOON.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH: 5:00 PM- PAMPERED CHEF DEMONSTRATION AT ACCESS INDEPENDENCE! 10% OFF YOUR ORDER TO SUPPORT DEAF OUTREACH SERVICES!

Contact Donna Day, Deaf Outreach Specialist, for more information at 540.931-9124 or E-mail, dday@accessindependence.org