Deaf Awareness Month 2026
September is Deaf Awareness Month! Join the Nebraska Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (NCDHH) throughout the month for free virtual and in-person events focused on communication access, mental health and wellness, students and families, Deaf culture, and community.
Explore the full schedule below and find an event for you.
Download an Event Flyer to Spread the Word!
Education, Youth & Family
Join Michael Brummer, Education, Youth, & Family Liaison with NCDHH, for two free virtual presentations designed to highlight important services, resources, and tools available across Nebraska. One presentation is focused specifically on helping students build self-advocacy skills and navigate their educational journey, and the other created for parents and families who want guidance, support, and connection to available programs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, ask questions, and discover how NCDHH can help you or your student succeed.
September 9 — Students
Learn about NCDHH services, communication access, self-advocacy, and resources available to support students in school and beyond.
Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Join the September 9 student presentation on Zoom
September 16 — Parents & Families
Gain information and resources to navigate education, advocate for your student, understand communication access, and connect with services available to families throughout Nebraska.
Date: Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CST
Location: Zoom
Join the September 16 parent and family presentation on Zoom
Behavioral Health
NCDHH Behavioral Health Liaison Sakura Yodogawa-Campbell will lead events for both behavioral health professionals and community members throughout Deaf Awareness Month.
For Behavioral Health Professionals
September 8 & September 22 — Accessible Care Beyond Compliance
Learn how to plan for communication access when serving Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and DeafPlus patients. These virtual sessions will cover communication accommodations, accessibility considerations, and resources professionals can use to provide more accessible behavioral health services.
The same presentation will be offered on two dates. Choose the session that works best for you.
Dates:
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CST
Location: Zoom
Register for a Behavioral Health professional session
For Community Members
September 29 — Accessing Behavioral Health Services for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing & DeafPlus Individuals
Join Sakura for a community presentation focused on mental health, self-care, accessing behavioral health services, and resources for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and DeafPlus individuals.
Attend in person in Omaha or join virtually from anywhere in Nebraska.
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 5:30–7:30 p.m. CST
In Person:
Central Library, Omaha Public Library
7205 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE 68114
Virtual: Zoom
Join the September 29 behavioral health presentation virtually
International Day of Sign Languages
September 23 — Celebrate & Learn With NCDHH
Celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages with NCDHH!
Join us virtually on Zoom to explore sign languages from around the world. Presenters fluent in different sign languages will share signs, language basics, and perspectives from their Deaf communities and cultures.
Come ready to learn, celebrate the diversity of sign languages, and discover how signing and Deaf culture vary across communities around the world!
Download a Flyer to Spread the Word!
Featured sign languages include:
- Plains Indian Sign Language (PISL)
- Mexican Sign Language (LSM)
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Time: 7–8 PM Central Time
Event Contact:
Vali Hitz, Events & Programs Coordinator
vali.hitz@nebraska.gov
Join NCDHH's International Day of Sign Languages event on Zoom
Celebrate With Us All Month Long
Deaf Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn, connect, and increase awareness of the experiences, cultures, languages, and communication needs of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people.
Follow NCDHH throughout September for additional resources, information, and opportunities to celebrate and learn with us.
