The History of Deaf Awareness Week

Deaf Awareness Week was established in Colorado in 1972 to honor and recognize the achievements of deaf individuals. This initiative aimed to challenge negative stereotypes and increase awareness of the diverse experiences of those with varying levels of hearing loss. By informing local communities and workplaces about the significant deaf population, the project successfully raised awareness at both local and state levels. By 1975, governors and mayors nationwide had officially declared Deaf Awareness Week.

In 1984, Tom Holcomb and Rochester Civic Association of the Deaf, Inc. (RCAD) organized the first Rochester Deaf Awareness Week (RDAW) in Rochester, New York. RDAW has been led by different individuals over the years, including Jackie Schertz in 1986, Susan Demers in 1999, 2000, and 2002, Matthew Starr in 2004 and 2006, Steve Lovi in 2008 (co-chair with Matthew Starr in 2010), Robert Tawney in 2012 and 2016, and Dean DeRusso and Walt Genther as co-chairs in 2014, and Fred Beam in 2018.