Rochester, NY Slated to Host Deaf & Hard of Hearing Consumer Expo

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Show, to be held October 3, 1998, in Rochester, New York, invites vendors to participate in this popular community event. This consumer trade show promotes an all-inclusive environment for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing patrons, featuring vendors of assistive devices and educational materials, providers of community services, educational programs, recreational organizations, and major businesses.

The show is sponsored by Microsoft, Sprint/New York Relay, Safeco Insurance, Wegmans Food Markets, Potomac Technologies, and Folsom Health Center. In addition to other venues, the show will be advertised in the weekly shoppers publication of Wegmans Food Markets, a leading retailer in western New York with 35 stores. The publication is read by nearly 1 million people in the Monroe County, New York, and surrounding areas.

Rochester, New York, is home to 9,000 Deaf people and 55,000 hard-of-hearing people, all of whom have many friends and family members. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Consumer Show is an opportunity for vendors to meet deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing members of the Rochester community and share information about services and equipment available for deaf and hard-of-hearing consumers.

During the day exhibition, a group of Deaf Moscow Clown/Mime performers will entertain the children while parents take a “look-see” at the newest technology.

Following the all-day exhibition, a well known deaf performer, Manny “MannyASL” Hernandez of New York City has been selected to provide the best of both worlds, comedy and ASL. MannyASL is known for his wild arms signing in the air and drawing big laughs from the audience. His performance highlights the puns of deaf culture ranging from ASL animation to ASL poetry.

Admission for day exhibition is $3.00. There is no charge for children under 12 years old. The evening entertainment admission is $10.00. Combo ticket (day exhibition and evening show) can be purchased for just $10.00 by placing a phone order at Ticket Express at (716) 222-5000 (voice). This event is located at Monroe County Fairgrounds on 2695 East Henrietta Road, Rochester, N.Y.

For more information, call (716) 218-0882 TTY/FAX or e-mail [email protected].