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| Summer is Here! Celebrate Pride, Deaf Culture, and Inclusive Stories with Us. |
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Happy Pride Month from the Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library!
This June, we’re shining a spotlight on the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and Deaf culture. From heartfelt eBooks by Deaf authors to exciting events like Frederick Pride and A Strange Loop, this newsletter is bursting with ways to celebrate, connect, and show your pride.
Explore stories of love, identity, and resilience like Continuum by Chella Man and Love in the Palm of His Hand by Rinteku and discover events that center acceptance, love, and access.
No matter how you express your identity, there’s a space for you here.
🏳️🌈🤟
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Which historic act, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, helped lay the groundwork for equal access and inclusion in public spaces and communication for people with disabilities?
A) Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
B) Americans with Disabilities Act
C) Rehabilitation Act of 1973
D) Civil Rights Act
Find the answer at the end of this newsletter!
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Celebrate Rainbow Book Month™ With Us!
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Rainbow Book Month™ is a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the LGBTIQA+.
Enjoy these books with deaf characters or/and by deaf authors.
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Love in the Palm of His Hand
by Rinteku
Two young men—one an aspiring actor struggling with rejection, the other a Deaf student—form an unexpected bond through sign language and shared longing for connection. As Fujinaga learns to communicate without words, he discovers not only a new language but also a deeper way to express emotion. Together, they find understanding in a world beyond speech.
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Monster Hands
by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan
In this playful bedtime story, best friends Milo and Mel use rhyming ASL and creative shadow puppets to confront the monster under Milo’s bed. What starts as a plan to scare the monster away turns into a surprising discovery—that the real solution to nighttime fears is having a brave friend by your side. With engaging visuals and a comforting message, this interactive readaloud helps kids face their fears with laughter, friendship, and a little sign language magic.
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Continuum
by Chella Man
Part of the Pocket Change Collective series, Chella Man: Continuum is a powerful, personal reflection on identity, representation, and reclaiming space in a world not built for those who live outside the norm. Chella shares his journey as a Deaf, trans, genderqueer artist of color, offering insight and inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of being seen and accepted. Praised by figures like Nyle DiMarco, Janet Mock, and Marlee Matlin, this affirming and artistic memoir invites readers to challenge expectations and embrace the limitless possibilities of being human.
| | | Our Calendar of Can't-Miss Events | | Stay in the loop with all the exciting events happening in the local Deaf community! From ADA celebrations to festivals, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to subscribe to our community calendar and never miss out on the latest opportunities to connect, learn, and engage. | |
Frederick Pride 2025
When: Saturday, June 28, 2025
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM EST
Where: Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick, MD
Frederick Pride 2025 is almost here! Saturday, June 28th, join us on Carroll Creek Linear Park from 11-6 to be a part of the 12th edition Frederick Pride! Want to know what to expect?
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Montgomery County Pride 2025
When: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Where: 1 Veterans Pl, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Join for a day filled with fun and festivities. Pride In The Plaza is a space where everyone can come together to celebrate love!
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Wawability 2025
When: July 11-12, 2025
11 AM to 5 PM EST
Where: Virtual
Join online for WAWABILITY 2025, a fully virtual global summit celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through innovation, advocacy, and the arts.
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A Strange Loop
When: July 23 – August 10, 2025
Where: Sprenger Theatre – Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington, DC
A Strange Loop is a musical show featuring different BIPOC DBDDDHH and Hearing actors, who will bring you some exciting performances! This musical show is written by Michael R. Jackson and directed by Alexandria Wailes.
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Communication Accessibility Summit
When: September 19-20
Where: MSD Columbia, 8169 Old Montgomery Rd, Ellicott City, MD 21043
The Maryland Governor’s Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Telecommunications Access of Maryland, and the Deaf Culture Digital Library will be hosting a 2-day summit during Deaf Awareness Month in September. This summit will bring together the deaf community and allies to explore topics and foster discussion around topics that impact the deaf community at large.
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Deaf Way Film Festival 2025
When: October 16, 2025
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Where: Gallaudet University
In celebration of Gallaudet University’s historic Deaf Way Festival, there will be a weekend of films that showcase the work of Deaf and Hard of Hearing creatives and celebrate Deaf culture, sign language and Deaf pride.
| | Got an event of your own? Want to partner with the DCDL for future programs? Click the left button below to partner with us. Click the right button below to view the calendar, add events, and subscribe. Help the DCDL show off the vibrant diversity of our Deaf community. | | Save the Date! Communication Accessibility Summit | |
Join us this September for our Communication Accessibility Summit! We’ll explore inclusive technology, policy updates, and real-world solutions that advance access for all.
We're looking for three or four enthusiastic volunteers to assist with general event support for the summit on September 19 and 20, 2025. If you'd like to volunteer with us, please fill out the form below. Your support is valuable and crucial to making this event a success.
| | Do You Enjoy ASL Storytime? | | |
Anne Arundel Library Needs Your Input!
Anne Arundel County Public Library is launching a survey to help design more inclusive ASL storytimes and they want your voice to be heard! Take a moment to share your thoughts and help shape future programming for Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
| | Big News! The DCDL Funding Bill Passed! | | We’re thrilled to share that Governor Wes Moore has officially signed the DCDL funding bill! This critical step helps us expand programs, improve resources, and better serve the Deaf community across the state. | | |
The answer to the Trivia question is "B) Americans with Disabilities Act"
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