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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2004
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
September 21-27 is Deaf Awareness Week
Share New Experiences and Learn More about Deafness at a Community Event
 Deaf Awareness Week is celebrated nationally during the third week of September, from the 21st through the 27th. The awareness campaign is sponsored by the World Federation of the Deaf and the National Association of the Deaf. In partnership with the Texas School for the Deaf the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill, 5125 Convict Hill Road, of the Austin Public Library will celebrate Deaf Awareness Week with a Sign Language Stories and Songs program on Monday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. Special presenters include Dr. Walter P. Kelley & Dr. Tony L. McGregor, local authors of Deaf Culture A to Z, and The "I Love You" Story. Additionally, noted storyteller and sign language instructor, Franky Ramont will perform along with Deaf Rags the Wonder Dog. Sign language interpretation will be provided by CSD (Communication Services for the Deaf) in Austin. This free program is recommended for deaf and hearing children, ages 4 and up, and their families. Refreshments will be provided. As part of the program celebration materials on sign language and deaf culture purchased with a $2,500 Texas Book Festival Grant will be on display and available for checkout at the branch library. This grant has improved the deaf culture collection at the Pleasant Hill Branch. These funds were used to purchase children’s books that feature characters that are deaf, as well as other books about deaf culture. The gift substantially increases the richness of the collection.
 Ongoing Sign Language Programs@APL
On the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill provides Sign Language Stories and Songs programs hosted by the Austin Public Library and the Texas School for the Deaf.. These programs continue through November 2004. Every Saturday during the Mervyn’s Star Saturdays at the Faulk Central Library, Austin Public Library provides a sign language interpretation.
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