October may be famous for pumpkins, scarecrows and candy, but students around campus are planning for more than just Halloween.
In recognition of Disability Awareness month and Deaf Awareness week, ETSU Disability Services has organized several activities to make the voices of students with disabilities heard.
The atrium of the D.P. Culp University Center was alive Friday with a special patriotic presentation sponsored by Disability Services’ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program.
The ceremony began with prayer and a Pledge to the Allegiance.
Next, interpreters signed as music and lyrics from the “Star Spangled Banner” and “I’m proud to be an American” were played.
For “God Bless America,” onlookers were encouraged to stand and sign along as an interpreter lead.
As one spectator described, “Sign language is so graceful, and to combine it with music is just breathtaking.”
This was the first time such a program has been arranged on campus in recognition of Deaf Awareness week.
Libby Tipton, interpreter coordinator for Disability Services, said that Silent Bucs, a new student organization for deaf and hearing-impaired students, initially came up with the idea for the patriotic presentation.
Silent Bucs was formed four weeks ago.
To date, the group is composed of hearing-impaired students, their friends and interpreters. “Any interested student, including alumni, can join,” she said.
One of the purposes of Silent Bucs is to raise awareness and sensitivity of deaf and hard of hearing issues,” Tipton explained.
Mara, a student in the program, said that in addition to increasing the public’s understanding for hearing impaired concerns, it has “helped her feel accepted.”
If you missed Friday’s presentation, you will still have other chances to participate in this month’s activities.
On Oct. 12, the movie, Return of the Mummy will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Culp Center Auditorium.
“This will be the first open-captioned movie ever shown on campus for the deaf and hearing impaired,” Tipton said.
In addition, faculty workshops are scheduled for Oct. 11, 18 and 25 to assist staff in providing accommodations for students with disabilities.
For more information on upcoming activities, please contact the disability services’ office at 439-8346.

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