Hundreds of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind students from Washington and Alaska gathered at the Junior Achievement facility in Auburn in early March. They were there to participate in the Deaf2Deaf Experience, provided by the Washington Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth (CDHY).  

This two-day program gives middle and high school students—including Seattle Public Schools (SPS) students—the skills and knowledge to plan for their future and make smart academic and financial choices.  

“[At the Deaf2Deaf Experience students are] learning the nuts and bolts of being in a society,” said Ann Curry, SPS special education supervisor of sensory services. “The kids get to be really excited about learning in an environment that has no barriers.”  

Students spent the first day meeting with Deaf and Hard of Hearing professionals from organizations such as Pemco Insurance, Alaska Airlines, Gallaudet University, and Northwest Youth Corps.  

They also worked on team building with peers and role playing different real-life scenarios. 

“I don’t get a lot of Deaf people helping me learn about certain things with financial stuff,” said Celeste, 9th grader at Roosevelt High School. “To have this force that helps you find your career with the Deaf community is really helpful.”  

During the second day, students had a chance to work in the Junior Achievement BizTown and Finance Park. These two spaces are set up to mimic a real community and include everything from businesses such as Nordstrom, BECU, and Delta Airlines, meter readers and even a mayor.  

Here, students are each assigned a job in the community, taught how to perform the job, and work with each other to operate a successful society.  

“This is great exposure to all the [fundamentals] of a small town, of a community, and of collaborating as a team to work in each of the businesses,” said Curry. 

Even though the Deaf2Deaf Experience is focused on academic and financial success, students also attend to meet others just like them.  

Brett, 6th grader at TOPS K-8, was looking forward to connecting with students from across the state.   

 “Many other Deaf kids are coming to this place. I’m hoping to meet some new friends and keep them as friends in the future,” said Brett.  

For more information about the Deaf2Deaf Experience, visit the CDHY website.