On Saturday, April 12th, 2025, the Inland Regional Center (IRC) proudly teamed up with the Center on Deafness Inland Empire (CODIE) to host Celebrate National ASL Day with Us!—a joyful and inclusive community event held at the IRC Conference Center. While National ASL Day is officially observed on April 15th, this weekend celebration was designed to welcome families, friends, and community members of all ages and signing levels—whether Deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing—to come together and honor the beauty and impact of American Sign Language (ASL).

National ASL Day marks the anniversary of a major milestone in Deaf history: the founding of the first permanent school for the Deaf in the United States—The American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut—on April 15, 1817. This historic moment laid the foundation for the development and recognition of American Sign Language (ASL) as a legitimate, full language with its own grammar, syntax, and cultural richness. Despite past attempts to suppress both the language and Deaf culture, ASL has endured—and today, it continues to flourish as a powerful symbol of identity, resilience, and pride. It connects generations, preserves stories, and fosters deeper understanding between Deaf and hearing communities.

But the event wasn’t just about celebrating the language, it was about celebrating the vibrant culture that surrounds it. Guests enjoyed a variety of interactive activities, performances, and meaningful opportunities to connect. Local Deaf-owned businesses and Deaf-focused organizations were invited to showcase their services and products, allowing the community to discover resources, support local entrepreneurs, and build lasting relationships.

One of the day’s most memorable moments was a keynote by Stephanie Nogueras, a Deaf Puerto Rican actress celebrated for her roles in Switched at Birth, Killing It, and Accused. Most recently, she captivated audiences nationwide with her ASL performance of the national anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl. At the IRC event, Stephanie shared her journey growing up in New Jersey, embracing her Deaf identity, and overcoming challenges on her path to Hollywood. Her story resonated deeply, offering inspiration, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that representation matters.

Two insightful breakout sessions added even more depth to the celebration. Dr. Lissa Ramirez-Stapleton, founder of The Black Deaf Project, led a fun and educational ASL Bingo activity for children, introducing them to Black Deaf history and Black ASL—a rich and distinct variety of American Sign Language shaped by the unique cultural, social, and educational experiences of the Black Deaf community, especially during the era of segregation.

Meanwhile, CODIE’s Family Outreach Advocate, Carmen Croasmun, hosted Deaf Culture 101, a workshop exploring customs, values, and stories that make Deaf culture so unique. Attendees learned helpful “Do’s and Don’ts” when interacting with Deaf individuals, while also debunking common misconceptions and promoting respectful, inclusive communication.

The day concluded with a special ASL storytelling session of Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, presented by the Family School Community Association (FSCA) from the California School for the Deaf Riverside. The FSCA also shared information about its mission to welcome families with Deaf and hard of hearing children into a strong, connected community.

As a parting gift, guests received colorful ASL kits—including handmade ASL Bingo sets lovingly prepared by IRC’s Community Engagement (CE) and Service Access and Equity (SAE) teams. These kits offer families the chance to continue learning and playing together, extending the celebration of ASL well beyond the national day.

From learning and laughter to language and legacy, Celebrate National ASL Day with Us! was more than just an event—it was a powerful tribute to a language that unites, a culture that empowers, and a community that continues to thrive.

Special Thanks

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing vendors and community organizations who helped make Celebrate National Day with Us! such a meaningful and memorable event. Your presence, energy, and dedication truly brought the day to life.

We’d like to recognize the following groups for sharing their time, talents, and resources:

• CODIE (Center on Deafness Inland Empire)
• FSCA (Family School Community Association- California School for the Deaf, Riverside)
• Loma Linda University- Special thanks to Kevin Bernadt, a doctoral student who conducted community surveys to support research for the Deaf community.
• PYRAM
• Sorenson
• The Black Deaf Project
• Yes! That
• ZVRS
• ASL interpreter students from Mt. Antonio College

Thank you for being a vital part of this celebration and for all you do to support the Deaf and signing communities!

Posted by:

Estefania Pena

Estefania Pena is a Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) Cultural Specialist. She is a part of IRC’s Community Engagement team where she advocates for clients who are deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing. Estefania supports the expansion of deaf service resources, provides training and expertise to IRC staff, and coordinates with DDS on statewide efforts. Estefania is a proud Deaf Latina and is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL). During her free time, Estefania enjoys traveling, cooking, and tending to her growing collection of plants.