San Antonio Deaf Association hosts festival for first time in 10 years

The Deaf Association of San Antonio recently reinvigorated a long-awaited festival at Commanche Park, signaling the return of a significant event for the community. Joseph Lara, the president of the association, spearheaded the initiative to bring people together through the celebration of culture and awareness.”The roots of this festival date back to the 1980s, and we felt it was crucial to revive it during Deaf Awareness Month in September,” Lara shared. Recognizing the impact of hearing loss globally, with an estimated 430 million affected individuals worldwide as indicated by the World Health Organization, the importance of supporting the deaf and hard-of-hearing population is paramount.However, pinpointing specific numbers of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Texas remains challenging, reinforcing the need for local communities like San Antonio to provide support systems for these individuals. Kristy Prado, a dedicated teacher at a deaf school, emphasized the necessity for events that are inclusive and accessible to people of all hearing abilities. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that approximately 1 in 8 individuals in the United States experiences hearing loss in both ears, translating to 30 million people, emphasizing the prevalence and significance of this issue.Lara highlighted the importance of involving individuals with normal hearing in events hosted by the deaf community. “It’s crucial to underscore that deaf individuals are capable of accomplishing anything except hearing. They can drive, they can pursue careers,” Lara stated. The Deaf Festival provided attendees with a sense of belonging and camaraderie that extends beyond themselves.”Participating in this event was personally meaningful as it allowed me to reconnect with friends, meet new acquaintances, and extend invitations to my students,” shared Shannon Zarb-Cousin, an American Sign Language teacher at a local high school. Zarb-Cousin stressed the significance of immersing students in the deaf community and promoting acceptance and respect for individuals with hearing impairments.”Witnessing the turnout for this festival has been truly inspiring,” Lara expressed, underlining the community’s dedication and passion for preserving and rejuvenating this annual event. The Deaf Association of San Antonio aims to continue hosting the Deaf Festival as an annual tradition, solidifying its commitment to inclusivity and celebration within the community.Devoted to preserving memories through his photographs, Emilio Sanchez, a skilled KSAT News Photographer from Denver, played a crucial role in documenting the festival, capturing the spirit of unity and celebration among attendees. Through captivating visuals, the narrative of this vibrant cultural event was brought to life, showcasing the importance of embracing diversity and fostering connections within the deaf community and beyond.