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
Posts by Amy Lazzaretti
Blitz Spotlight: Lorie Szynal-Rich
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
Crazy & Dumb FAQs for Deaf People
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
ASL Poetry
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
Blitz Spotlight: Deaf Refugee Advocacy
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
Blitz Spotlight: SLB Founder, Chris Morrison
Read this post to learn about Sign Language Blitz founder, Christopher Morrison! What made you want to start Sign Language Blitz? There are three big reasons why I started Sign Language Blitz. First and foremost I want to give back. Sign Language Blitz [allows me to use] my. . . + Read More
How to Be Deaf Friendly at Work
Chances are, if you work in service, you’ve had a Deaf customer. If you don’t sign, the language barrier could leave you wondering how to connect. ASL in Customer Service Working with the public is about communication. That’s why Ugly Duck Coffee in Rochester, NY, hosted an ASL crash course. . . + Read More
Blitz Spotlight: Personal Trainer Janna Luksha
What does being a fitness professional in the Deaf community look like? We linked up with certified personal trainer Janna Luksha to find out. In essence, what services do you offer? “I train at Max Effort Training and the Eastside YMCA and offer 1-on-1, small group personal training, and classes.”. . . + Read More
What happens in Summer and Winter every four years? The Deaflympics, of course!
You may be double-checking to make sure you read that right. You did. The Deaflympics are exactly what they sound like– world-wide athletic competitions for the Deaf. They follow a 4 year cycle like the Olympics, but aren’t technically a part of the Paralympics or Olympics. So,. . . + Read More
Blitz Spotlight: Photographer Ceasar Jones
Today we are spotlighting Cesar Jones, a Rochester, New York entrepreneur with photography businesses who happens to be Deaf. Cesar can you tell us about a little about yourself? Hi there, I’m photographer based in Rochester, New York. As a child, I had an interest in traditional art. After being. . . + Read More