About
The Rochester Deaf Festival is an semiannual event that unites the deaf community in uplifting and inspiring one another in a free, daylong family event. The festival is highly educational in nature – attendees are presented with opportunities to gain knowledge on how they may expand and enhance their capabilities through various workshops and demonstrations of new and existing products. Most importantly, attendees have the chance to meet and converse with other members of the deaf community to foster friendship and support. The festival also hosts a fun fashion show meant to instill pride in the community and help promote self-esteem amongst deaf youth.
History
Rochester Deaf Festival (RDF) was founded in 2008 by Chad Ludwig, originally from Seattle, Washington. Inspired by a community picnic he co-founded in Seattle in 2004, Chad brought the idea to Rochester, New York, leading to the first RDF held at Ellison Park in June 2009 with approximately 250 attendees. RDF is organized for charitable, social, and educational purposes to celebrate Deaf culture, history, and values while supporting Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing, and Hearing communities. The festival provides a safe and welcoming space featuring ASL entertainment, vendors, outdoor activities, and family-friendly attractions. Rochester is home to the highest per-capita Deaf population in the United States, as well as the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and the Rochester School for the Deaf. Leadership transitioned to Sylvia Sirianni in 2012, followed by Arlene Hsieh Sankey in 2015. Since then, the festival has grown significantly, now welcoming over a thousand attendees from across New York and neighboring states, thanks to strong community engagement and social media outreach.
