San Diego has a thriving deaf community. There are a multitude of activities that are scheduled annually, monthly and even weekly for every age group and in every season. Many of the organizations that put these events together focus on creating a healthy community for the deaf and their families by providing resources and connections that they can all share. Some of these events also involve discussions about the deaf community and how to better serve and foster the deaf and hard of hearing in and around San Diego.
Deaf Professionals
There is an organization called Deaf Professionals Night, or DPN, that operates out of San Diego. They meet up frequently at local restaurants and bars, and have created a community for deaf working adults. There is an open invitation, and those who serve the deaf as translators are welcome as well. The primary means of communication is sign language. They regularly update their website with current meeting times and places, and encourage an open and interactive atmosphere.
Community Services
Deaf Community Services of San Diego offers lectures, events and training. They organize classes, have their own classified section and post news relating to the deaf community. They organize an annual Winter Wonderland party at their center that is free to the public.
Festivals
Deaf Awareness Day is an annual event on the first Saturday of October. Every year, they host games, signed performances, arts and crafts, and activities for every age. They have a Kid's Zone for children ages 12 and under that also provides them with a light snack. This event is free to the public.
Ongoing Community Events
There are several monthly and weekly events and meetings held at restaurants and coffee shops in San Diego. The Deaf Standard Time Association hosts a pizza night on the first Wednesday of the month at Giovanni's Restaurant. On the second Thursday of each month, they host an ice cream night at Ben and Jerry's. There is also a deaf community get-together every Friday night at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Grossmont College posts these events, as well as others in Southern California, on their website regularly.
Family Camps
The San Diego YMCA organizes a yearly summer campout for the deaf and their families every Memorial Day weekend. There is the option of staying Friday through Sunday, or just staying for Saturday. The camp fees include all meals, boarding and featured activities for every age group. There is also a limited number of scholarships available. The camp communicates through both speaking and signing.
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