Deaf Awareness Week 2025

Buffalo, NY - Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon and his Office of Diversity, Opportunity and Inclusion, joined by representatives from Deaf Access Services, a program of People Inc., St. Mary's School for the Deaf, members of the Buffalo Common Council and others, today proclaimed the week of September 22^nd through 26^th as "Deaf Awareness Week" in the City of Buffalo. At a special flag-raising ceremony in recognition of Deaf Awareness Week in Niagara Square, Mayor Scanlon shined a spotlight on the importance of Buffalo's Deaf community and highlighted the city's continued efforts to support programs and initiatives that make Buffalo an even more inclusive community.

Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, "Following a vibrant and successful Disability Pride Month and an outstanding Disability Pride Festival in Buffalo, I am proud to continue to shine a spotlight on the disability community. Deaf Awareness Week offers a meaningful opportunity to continue to raise awareness, celebrate Deaf culture, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility. It is also a reminder of the ongoing work needed to create a more equitable and inclusive Buffalo for all. Every Buffalo resident deserves full access to all aspects of city life and thanks to the dedication of this powerful group of advocates, we continue to make positive strides for Deaf individuals and those dealing with hearing loss."

Deaf Awareness week is an annual event that highlights Buffalo's Deaf community, with an aim to increase public awareness of Deaf issues, people and culture. As part of the city's continuing efforts to build on programs that move Buffalo toward a more inclusive and just community, Mayor Scanlon was an early supporter of Brittney Montgomery as the City's first ADA Advocate. He continues to further strengthen the city's American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter program, which now includes sign language interpreting services at Mayoral or City Department press events.

As part of this month's celebrations, Mayor Scanlon directed the top of Buffalo City Hall to light up turquoise blue, yellow and dark blue on Friday, September 19^th in recognition of Deaf Awareness Week. Deaf Access Services, a program of People Inc., also provided a few unique artifacts about Deaf history, which are featured in the glass display case in the lobby of Buffalo City Hall. Deaf Access Services is one of our community's organizations at the forefront of advocating for Deaf individuals and those with hearing loss.

City of Buffalo ADA Advocate Brittney Montgomery said, "Deaf Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Buffalo to be introduced to a rich and vibrant culture, to begin learning a new language, and to come together in the spirit of inclusion, continuing our commitment to making Buffalo truly live up to its name as The City of Good Neighbors."

Below is a list of other 2025 Deaf Awareness Week Local Events.

September 16:

Buffalo Bisons Deaf & Hard of Hearing Awareness Night
To purchase tickets: https://ow.ly/r3JL50WCQJy
Join us on Tuesday, September 16th as the Buffalo Bisons take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders!
Game Time: 6:05P (Gates open at 5:00P)
Tickets: $21.81
Sahlen Field | Buffalo, NY

September 23:

Painting with a Twist event,
1054 Union Rd. West Seneca. 6pm to 8pm.
Cost: $42.00 per person
Registration is Limited: Code: PARTY
https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/.../event/4053897/...

September 24:

St. Mary's School for the Deaf
Deaf Access Week Fall Festival
There will be games, refreshments, scarecrow competition, ASL handshape and face painting, crafts, tray auctions and much more.
4-8pm

September 26:

ASL Social
Britesmith Brewery on Niagara Street @ 5pm
Come meet people and learn sign!

September 27:

Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright House
(Buffalo Implant Group - WNY Cochlear Implant Support Group)
$45.00 pp/ $43 Seniors. Limited Spots Available.
3:30pm to 5:30pm. Arrive at 3:15pm.
Meet at 143 Jewett Pkwy

October 11 &12:

Deaf Awareness Weekend
Aquarium of Niagara
ASL Interpretation will be provided
Also attending today's ceremonial flag raising were representatives from the Buffalo Implant Group,
Buffalo Club of the Deaf, Buffalo Civic Association of the Deaf and the Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center.