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  • ABOUT

North Richland Hills, TX

April 18, 2026
NYTEX Sports Centre (Free Parking)
8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Open to the public from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

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Rylo

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Secure your booth space or sponsor at DeafNation Expo to connect with a diverse, engaged audience ready to discover your brand. Act now to boost visibility and drive meaningful connections for your business!

MORE INFORMATION
Schedule
9:00 AM

Door Opens to the Public

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

DeafNation Videos

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

The Deaf Aztec Man

Mark Angel MoralesMark Angel Morales

Mark Angel Morales

The Deaf Aztec Man

N/A

This Is a Performance You Cannot Afford to Miss

Mr. Morales is nationwide‑recognized for his groundbreaking One Deaf Aztec Man Show, a visually stunning and culturally powerful performance featuring his signature A‑to‑Z storytelling with both hands simultaneously, inspired by the rich history and spirit of the Aztec people.

His life and creative journey were also featured in the acclaimed documentary “History Through Deaf Eyes,” solidifying his place as a visionary in Deaf performance art across the country.

This is not just another show.

This is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime cultural event.

A performance that will stay with you long after the lights go down and a cultural event you will remember for the rest fo your life..

If you miss it, you will miss something truly unforgettable and truly extraordinary.

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Awesome ASL Handshapes: A Game Show

Carolyn StemCarolyn Stem

Carolyn Stem

ASL PROFESSOR / CONSULTANT

DFW ASL TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Hello I’m Carolyn Stem, a lifetime ASL instructor.

When I was transferred to a public elementary school with no program setup for Deaf children. In trying to be inclusive in various activities with hearing, non-signers. To the chagrin of the teachers, I started teaching signs to my classmates and quickly we were able to sign-talk or whisper with each other, even during classes. The eager interest of students toward signing set me for a lifetime of teaching ASL

Academically I’ve taught at various colleges and universities in north Illinois and Chicago areas, the San Francisco Bay and Monterey coastal areas, and the Austin and DFW areas

Carol Stem discovered sign language early by observing classmates and creating her own “home signs,” which sparked a lifelong passion for American Sign Language. After moving to a public school with no signing environment, she began teaching signs to her peers—an experience that shaped her future as an ASL educator. She has taught ASL across colleges and universities in Illinois, California, Texas, and the DFW area, focusing on linguistic, social, and cultural aspects, along with workshops and community events. Carol has presented at DeafNation Expo multiple times, sharing key aspects of ASL to inspire greater public interest and support for the Deaf community. Her current work includes developing online courses and supporting ASL teachers, and she even showcases how her dog responds to and creates signs for communication.

Ryan SimsRyan Sims

Ryan Sims

Lead Deaf Ed Teacher

Mesquite ISD

Ryan C. Sims is a Deaf author, educator, and advocate passionate about empowering the Deaf community through education, storytelling, and faith. With a strong background in Deaf education, Ryan has worked extensively with Deaf students and families, helping promote language development, literacy, and accessible learning environments. As a certified Deaf Mentor, he is committed to strengthening communication between Deaf children and their families while encouraging confidence and identity within Deaf culture.

Ryan is also a growing author who writes across multiple genres, including young adult fiction, children’s educational books, and Christian resources. His stories often highlight Deaf characters and experiences, helping bridge understanding between Deaf and hearing audiences while celebrating the richness of Deaf culture. Through his writing, Ryan hopes to inspire readers, expand representation, and create stories that both entertain and educate.

In addition to writing, Ryan is actively involved in ministry and leadership within the Deaf community. He serves as a camp director for a Deaf children’s church camp and frequently speaks and teaches at Deaf events and gatherings.

Ryan lives with his family in Texas and continues to develop new books and creative projects aimed at uplifting the next generation of Deaf leaders, readers, and storytellers.

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Wake up and Feel the BASS!

Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”

Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”

Performer

DefStar

Who is DefStar? He’s a guy with red hair. No, really.
He’s a Dip-Hop artist from Jersey City now based in Dallas, He raps. He Signs.
His journey started surrounded by music, rappers, DJs, bands, and evolved into a lane of his own. What began as writing for fun turned into a mission: prove that Deaf CAN!
Sponsored by ZP Better Together
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Access Isn't Extra: Caption It. Interpret It. Include Everyone by Deaf Action Center

Dekisha C. SmithDekisha C. Smith

Dekisha C. Smith

Access Specialist

Deaf Action Center

Dekisha is an Access Specialist at Deaf Action Center who focuses on advocacy, civil rights education, and empowering Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to navigate systems and remove barriers. Born and raised in Dallas in a large Deaf family, she brings lived experience and a strong commitment to equity, cultural diversity, and language access. A graduate of Gallaudet University with a degree in International Studies and minors in Education, English, and Spanish, Dekisha is passionate about community-driven advocacy and ensuring Deaf individuals have the knowledge and tools to exercise their rights. She is proud to serve the community through education, outreach, and meaningful support.

Valerie BarkerValerie Barker

Valerie Barker

Access Specialist

Deaf Action Center

Valerie Barker serves as the Access Specialist for the Deaf Action Center. Prior to joining the organization in this role, she worked as the Director of Global Translation Strategies in Tennessee, where she strengthened her expertise in cross‑cultural communication before returning to Texas last fall.

From 2016 to 2021, Valerie served as the Senior Citizens Outreach Coordinator at the Deaf Action Center, making significant contributions to improving services for the Deaf senior community.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Dallas Baptist University.

Outside of her professional work, Valerie is an avid photographer and enjoys creating chain maille jewelry. She is also a devoted reader of mystery and thriller novels. Additionally, she is passionate about teaching Sign Roots and is committed to empowering others through the beauty of American Sign Language (ASL).

Valerie has been married to her husband, Bob Barker, for 35 years.

12:00 - 12:30 PM

Snowball Fun With Deaf Santa Claus

Deaf Santa ClausDeaf Santa Claus

Deaf Santa Claus

Santa

Deaf Santa Claus Foundation

He laughs, signs, listens, and connects in a way only someone who has lived the Deaf experience can. For many children, he is the first Santa Claus they can truly communicate with. For parents, it becomes a moment they will never forget.

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Win or Womp! Trivia Game Show

Justin LoncarJustin Loncar

Justin Loncar

Social Media Influencer/Comedian

Loncar Entertainment LLC.

Known as @somedeafguy – your favorite internet comedian.
Making the internet laugh one post at a time.
Comedian | Content Creator | Filmmaker

Brad KleinBrad Klein

Brad Klein

Brad Klein, That CODA Comedian

Nagish

Brad is a proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). He performs comedy in both English and American Sign Language (ASL), all about growing up in both the Deaf & Hearing communities. Brad has performed all over the world, including Laugh Factory, Comix Roadhouse, and the Floodwater Comedy Festival. His funny videos with his Deaf parents have generated millions of views online. Fun fact, Brad’s childhood dream was to own a s’mores factory so he could eat them whenever he wanted.

Sponsored by Rylo
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Convo or Not

Michael MorsovilloMichael Morsovillo

Michael Morsovillo

Consumer Success Manager

Convo

Game show:
Convo or Not
Hosted by Convo, emcee Michael Morsovillo

Sponsored by Convo
1:30 PM - 2:00 PM

UbiDuo 3 Highlights

Andy LangeAndy Lange

Andy Lange

sComm & The UbiDuo 3

sComm

Andy Lange is the Communication Access Analyst for sComm.

Sponsored by sComm
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Whose Sign Is It?

Aaron WolfAaron Wolf

Aaron Wolf

Sorenson Sales

Sorenson

A bookworm who does not cease to learn new things. Math Nerd | Logic Puzzle Lover
Connecting communities by delivering innovative communication solutions for Deaf, hard‑of‑hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson
Crystal CousineauCrystal Cousineau

Crystal Cousineau

Customer Experience Manager

Sorenson

HOTWORX is my go-to escape during work breaks, and I love unwinding by binge-watching The Vampire Diaries.

Connecting communities by delivering innovative communications solutions for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing individuals. Stop by our booth to learn more about Sorenson.

Sponsored by Sorenson
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

ASL TeleMed

IV Mirus, MD, MPHIV Mirus, MD, MPH

IV Mirus, MD, MPH

Doctor

ASL TeleMed

IV Mirus, MD, MPH is an Emergency Medicine physician in Dallas practicing at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Hospital, and Children’s Hospital. He is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and worked for many years as an ASL interpreter before his medical career.

Dr. IV is currently the medical correspondent with The Daily Moth, helping share medical information and health topics in ASL. His academic work focuses on his role as Vice Chair of Ethics at Parkland, ongoing research in public health for the Deaf community, and language access in healthcare.

He is the co-founder of ASL TeleMed, the first telemedicine clinic that connects Deaf patients with physicians who communicate directly in American Sign Language. Through ASL TeleMed, Dr. IV is working to expand access and make it easier for Deaf patients to connect with doctors who use their language, giving access to healthcare like never before.

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Improv by NTPA Deaf Theatre

Sabrina MercadoSabrina Mercado

Sabrina Mercado

Board Chairperson

North Texas of the Performing Arts: Deaf Theatre

Sabrina Mercado has been in the several productions with NTPA Deaf Theatre, serving as an actress, show manager, and ticket coordinator, as well as creating some content for the theatre’s social media. She also serves on the NTPA Deaf Theatre board and is grateful to Daymond and the Deaf Theatre community for the opportunity to contribute and connect through the arts.

Daymond SandsDaymond Sands

Daymond Sands

Program director

Deaf theatre at North Texas Performing Arts

Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Daymond began performing at the young age of 5. He earned a college degree in Psychology, and continued his college education completing acting courses at Tyler Junior College. Pursuing his dream of being able to perform on stage, sign sing, direct, and create his own show, he became a professional performing artist and an ASL consultant for theatre in 2016. He has spent many years working as a mentor for interpreters and supporting theatres as an ASL consultant. In his spare time, Daymond also works as a freelance photographer and creator and producer of the Youtube show “Click Click Crop,” a photography competition for the Deaf and Hard of hearing.

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

No Barriers: Around the World

Joel BarishJoel Barish

Joel Barish

CEO

DeafNation

Co-founder of DeafNation and global adventurer, Joel Barish, has explored over 108 countries to document the worldwide Deaf experience. Through his programs No Barriers and Coffee With Joel, he spotlights Deaf culture, businesses, and influential leaders. He is deeply committed to improving travel accessibility and supporting the Deaf ecosystem globally. Off-camera, Joel is an avid cyclist and photographer.

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Afternoon WE LIT! With DefStar

Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”

Samuel C. Cruz “DefStar”

Performer

DefStar

Who is DefStar? He’s a guy with red hair. No, really.
He’s a Dip-Hop artist from Jersey City now based in Dallas, He raps. He Signs.
His journey started surrounded by music, rappers, DJs, bands, and evolved into a lane of his own. What began as writing for fun turned into a mission: prove that Deaf CAN!
Sponsored by ZP Better Together
4:30PM-4:45PM

Drawing Prizes by Events Sponsors and Exhibitors

5:00 PM

Event Ends for the Day

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