Amy Lazzaretti / November 29th, 2023 
The Great British Bake Off, a beloved show for baking enthusiasts, has a unique ability to uncover extraordinary talent in the kitchen. In its latest season, one contestant has captured not only the judges’ attention but also the hearts of viewers around the world. Meet Tasha Stones, a deaf contestant. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / November 22nd, 2023 
Diversity and inclusion is becoming more commonly considered in reality television, and not just an afterthought. Reality television has long been a platform for individuals to showcase their diverse backgrounds and unique stories. In 2023’s Big Brother season, one contestant has stood out not only for his strategic gameplay but. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / October 31st, 2023 It is often said that Deaf conversations are perhaps too revealing for the hearing culture. Upon meeting a stranger and introducing yourself, how much information do you reveal about yourself within the first five minutes? A little? A lot? Nothing (after your name, of course)? Your answer to that question. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / October 24th, 2023 
When you are chatting and are ready to leave, you make a simple gesture of saying goodbye. That lasts, what? 5 seconds? Even in a party, you still make a brief goodbye, perhaps lasting up to 10-15 seconds. However, in the Deaf world, the briefest good-bye may last 10-15 minutes.. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / October 17th, 2023 In a world that thrives on communication, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) stands as a beacon of empowerment and advocacy for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities in the United States. Established in 1880, the NAD has played a pivotal role in promoting equality, accessibility, and the. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / July 10th, 2023 The invention of the Deaf Football Huddle Did you know that in 1892 Gallaudet University’s quarterback Paul Hubbard, a Deaf man, invented football game huddles? During the game, Paul noticed that the other teams could read their signs so he created a tight circle formation, later called the huddle, in. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / June 22nd, 2023 June is DeafBlind month. To honor the month, I asked my longtime friend, Lorie Szynal-Rich, to share her experiences as a DeafBlind woman, mother, and grandmother. She is also a Pro-Tactile actress. Please tell us a little bit about yourself (ex. where you’re from, school, college, work, life). I grew. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / March 12th, 2023 April is National Deaf History Month! So what’s a better time to raise awareness about the Deaf community and their struggles? As a Deaf person, there are quite a few questions I receive that tend to get on my nerves. So without further ado, here are some frequently asked questions. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / September 25th, 2018 
Every language has art forms centered around it (poetry, music, etc) and ASL is no exception. This post will dive into popular styles and devices used in ASL poetry. Many thanks to Kenneth Lerner, at RIT for interviewing, teaching, and sharing poetry resources! Poetic Devices Speed changes can be used. . . + Read More
Amy Lazzaretti / September 8th, 2018 
We contacted Diana Pryntz, Robert Tawney and Marta Tawney, co-founders of Deaf Refugee Advocacy (DRA), to learn more about how the organization started and what they do. To summarize, DRA is a Rochester-based organization that helps Deaf refugees learn English, ASL, culture, and assimilate into the community while staying true. . . + Read More
