Just like other communities, the deaf community has its own language, culture and customs.
Next weekend, this will all be on show as part of the 2014 Sydney Deaf Festival.
Held on the foreshore of the Parramatta River, the Festival has been running annually for more than 20 years.
Deaf Society NSW CEO Sharon Everson said the festival was a chance to celebrate deaf culture as well as showcase it to the wider community.
‘‘Deaf culture is like any other culture,’’ she said. ‘‘We have our own language and storytelling.’’
The festival will include many activities such as sign language workshops, craft stalls as well as drumming and hip hip performances.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the sign language workshop to learn Auslan, Australian sign language.
‘‘It’s about showing the wider hearing community and encourage as much hearing people as possible to learn sign language,’’ Mrs Everson said.
Last year the society hosted the International Deaf Festival, and while this year’s festival will be smaller in scope, the community spirit and message will be just the same.
‘‘It’s more about deaf awareness,’’ Mrs Everson said. ‘‘It’s a day of celebration.’’
■ Saturday, October 18, 10am-4pm.
■ North side of Parramatta River between Wilde Avenue and Elizabeth Street, Parramatta.
■ Entry is free. Details: http://deafsocietynsw.org.au/