Posts by Amy Lazzaretti



Matt Klotz’s Journey on Big Brother as a Deaf Contestant

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

Introductions in Deaf Culture

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

Deaf Culture’s Never Ending Goodbye

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

The National Association of the Deaf

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

A Snippet of Deaf Sports History

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

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