More than 300 deaf educators from over 50 school districts throughout California experienced the first “Fields of Possibility: Where Deaf Education Takes Root” event at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center on Wednesday, March 18.
This first-of-its-kind gathering was created to equip educators to support the needs of 17,000 students attending California’s public schools who are considered deaf and/or hard-of-hearing—including 1,163 in Riverside County.
The free, one-day summit was a joint partnership between the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR).
Emceed by Jonaz McMillan, an award-winning author, artist, and producer based in Los Angeles, the event featured student performances and multiple DeafEdX presentations. Each of the DeafEdX presenters participated in a group panel to discuss essential topics raised during their presentations and fielded questions from the audience.
The afternoon included 10 breakout sessions covering themes such as deaf stereotype trauma, artificial intelligence, social emotional learning, and language play and imagination.
The day ended with ASL Night: The Art Within, a standing-room-only showcase of ASL storytelling and performances featuring well-known local artists.
“The success of this event is an inspiring example of the power of the possible, “Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, said. “When educators are focused on collaboration, inclusiveness, and providing extraordinary service, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries. The educators and presenters in the deaf community who traveled from all corners of California to attend this event are truly a testament to the dedication of our educators who provide exceptional service to exceptional students.”
