The city of Rochester has one of the largest Deaf populations in the United States. Like other cities with a similar distinction, the initial population increase started with providing the community with quality educational opportunities. However, it’s not just numbers we’re talking about here. People may be initially coming to Rochester for the Deaf schools but they are also choosing to stay and build their lives here. Rochester is considered one of the most Deaf-friendly cities in the country. From academic programs tailored to Deaf learners, to social clubs, cultural events, job opportunities, and essential services like healthcare equipped with accessible communication options, our city is committed to inclusivity. The Deaf community in Rochester is vibrant and thriving. Here is just a sample of what we have to offer:
National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)
Nearly 19,000 students attend the Rochester Institute of Technology. More than 1,100 of those learners are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students who come from around the world to attend one of RIT’s nine colleges called the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. NTID was the first and remains the largest school of its kind in the world. Students can choose one of the 90 Bachelors degree programs or one of the over 200 other educational programs offered including pre-baccalaureate, associate, and career exploration programs. RIT offers over 300 student clubs and organizations, some of which are geared specifically for students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Whether you use ASL or spoken English for communication, whether you use hearing aids or have a cochlear implant or neither, whether you went to a Deaf high school or grew up as the only Deaf person in your district, students report feeling welcomed and accepted for who they are in this diverse and inclusive community.
Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD)
Since 1876, Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) has been serving educational needs of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community of Rochester and more than thirty surrounding districts in Central and Western New York State. The school is tuition-free and does offer a Monday-Friday residential program for eligible and interested students. The program is bilingual; the students study and receive instruction in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English. Students have access to any necessary support services as well as a New York State Department of Education aligned curriculum that can lead to a Regents Diploma. In addition to the Kindergarten-12th grade school, early childhood and preschool programs are also offered at RSD. Students have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities such as a variety of clubs, theater, and athletics. One theory about the benefit of a Deaf school like this is that is it fully accessible, fully inclusive, and helps children develop their identities as Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing people. For families, RSD offers a Parent-Staff Association, family support groups, and free ASL classes for immediate family members of students.
Deaf Events Among Families Circle (DEAF Circle)
DEAF Circle is a nonprofit whose goal is to support Deaf families in our area by providing American Sign Language centric educational and recreational events. They facilitate meetups and playdates so Deaf families can connect with each other and with community resources. You can sign up for their newsletter or follow their Facebook page to get involved with the different activities. Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, this organization offers the area’s only ASL-centric daycamp for Deaf children and KODAs (Kids of Deaf Adults) for children ages five to ten years old.
Rochester Deaf Festival
The Rochester Deaf Festival is a free and open event meant to promote Deaf-owned businesses and celebrate Deaf culture. This year’s event took place in June at Genesee Valley Park and featured Deaf artisans and service providers, food trucks, health services, games, children’s activities, a photo booth, and a raffle. There are various fundraising events for the festival throughout the year, as well.
Deaf Rochester Film Festival (DRFF)
After a four-year hiatus, the Deaf Rochester Film Festival will be back this March! This four-day long event is dedicated to enabling deaf and hard-of-hearing filmmakers to showcase their artistic and creative talents. Not all details are available yet for this 2025 festival, but there has been a long history of Deaf Film Festivals here in Rochester since 2005. Traditionally, tickets for individual films or a festival pass for all films were available for purchase. In the past, films were divided into categories and, after all films had had a chance to be screened, a panel of judges voted for the best film in each category. What’s unique about the DRFF is that it highlights the truth that the Deaf community is not a monolith. These films explore the Deaf experience from different perspectives.
Hearing Loss Association of America, Rochester Chapter
Approximately 90% of Deaf or Hard of Hearing children are born to Hearing parents. So although Rochester is an established Deaf-friendly city, there will be many people who are new to the Deaf community who are parents who are navigating it for the first time for their children. Additionally, statistics of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people in Rochester also include children and adults who are experiencing or have experienced hearing loss later in life. They might not see themselves as a part of the Deaf community and their needs may be different from those who identify as Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The Hearing Loss Association of America addresses the needs of this population by offering resources, meetings, and courses in an effort “to improve the world of communication for people with hearing loss by providing support, education and advocacy”. Of paticular interest to Rochester Moms, this organization offers a support group for parents and caregivers of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing called Hear Together. In addition to hosting monthly meetings during the school year for the adults, they also have summer playdates for the kids.
