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The D.E.A.F. Awards took place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at its new location, Columbus Marriott Airport. The D.E.A.F. Awards is an evening of entertainment for the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities that begins at 7:30 pm. The D.E.A.F. Awards is an extension of the transition weekend, Making a Difference with Your Future. More than 400 members of the Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing communities attended the Awards this year.
We were thrilled to welcome CJ Jones in “I Wanna Be”. This insightful, comedic work blends a unique style of visual imagery and storytelling, and portrays a man confronting the sometimes absurd misperceptions that transpire between the hearing and the deaf. A hilarious show for all audiences! The audiences was captivated and engaged throughout the entire show. |
CJ Jones |
CJ is known primarily as a comedian, actor, producer, director and motivational keynote speaker. He has traveled with the National Theatre of the Deaf and toured with "Children of a Lesser God" on Broadway. He has also appeared on NBC's Fraiser", the PBS television shows "Sesame Street" and "Rainbow's End", and was the host of "Happy Hands Kids Klub". |
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The D.E.A.F. Awards also featured a sneak preview of See What I’m Saying: The Deaf Entertainers Documentary. This documentary celebrates the unsung talents of four superstar performers and their steadfast determination to rise above their personal challenges. It will enlighten, entertain, inspire and educate audiences as it follows these entertainers on their personal and professional journeys during a pinnacle time in history.
The D.E.A.F. Awards is a valuable opportunity for the young adults who will be participating in the Making a Difference with Your Future workshop, occurring during the same weekend. Earlier in the day, these youth, who are deaf or hard of hearing, will have an opportunity to showcase the skills and knowledge they have gained throughout the weekend during an exciting competition. The four winners of this competition will be announced during the D.E.A.F. Awards. |
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The D.E.A.F. Awards is also an opportunity for the students participating in the Making a Difference with Your
Future workshop to showcase their skills. Through a brief question and answer period, the students compete for wonderful prizes. Each student is required to answer one of the 4 following questions.
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The next DEAF Awards is scheduled for September 2010. This event is open to the
public and is a wonderful way to show support for youth who are deaf or hard of hearing. Tickets to the D.E.A.F. Awards
are available through Deaf Initiatives. All tickets sold are eligible for fabulous door prizes throughout the evening. The
money raised from this event will be used to support deaf and hard of hearing youth around Ohio through the Making a Difference with Your Future
transition weekend and other projects offered by Deaf Initiatives. To purchase tickets, or for more information, contact Meredith Crane at Thedeafund@aol.com
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2008 D.E.A.F. Awards "I wanna be"
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© 2009 Deaf Initiatives |
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