Temple University’s College of Public Health teamed up with the Philadelphia Zoo for d/Deaf Community Day on Sept. 20, offering activities and ASL interpretation for d/Deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind, and hearing guests.

Students and faculty in the College’s American Sign Language Certificate program led crafts for families. The Deaf-Hearing Communication Centre (DHCC) sponsored six interpreters, who supported guests throughout the Zoo.

“This was an important milestone for our ASL Certificate program,” said Felicidad Garcia, PhD, CCC-SLP. “We want to help create spaces where d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing communities can enjoy the city together and learn about the resources available to them.”

The event began with an idea from Bethany Housman, the Zoo’s director of school and community partnerships, and Adam Kupiec, its manager of guest engagement. The ASL Certificate program plans to continue working with DHCC director Neil McDevitt as the event grows.

Save the date: The next d/Deaf Community Day is scheduled for Sunday, April 18, 2027. Anyone interested in getting involved can email Garcia at felicidad.garcia@temple.edu.