Loggerhead Marinelife Center To Host ASL Day During National Deaf Awareness Month

Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education and conservation center located in Juno Beach, is hosting an American Sign Language (ASL) Day on Sept. 21 in recognition of National Deaf Awareness Month.

The special event will be led by LMC’s Research Operations Manager, Jennifer Reilly, who is deaf and fluent in ASL. She says about the event: “It’s rewarding when I give our deaf guests an inclusive experience at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. They always leave with a smile from ear to ear, commenting nonstop on what an unforgettable experience it was for them. Inclusion begins when we value every form of communication.”

The day will begin with a private, ASL-guided Hatchling Discovery program at 6:30 a.m., where attendees will learn about the nesting and hatching processes of sea turtles and witness a nest excavation on the beach. During LMC’s business hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., eventgoers will enjoy several ASL-interpreted fish feedings and an ASL tour of LMC’s outdoor hospital. In addition, the Center will also hold a showcase for deaf artists to display artwork related to ocean conservation.

As part of the celebration, on Sept. 20 and 21, Executive Chef Robert Osso, a deaf chef and the owner of Osso’s Kitchen + Bar, will cook up culinary delights on his food truck outside the Center. Renowned for his “silent gastronomy,” Osso has proven that talent has no bounds and the language of flavor transcends all barriers.

For more information, visit marinelife.org.

×

Expand

Photo courtesy of Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Jennifer Reilly conducting an ASL tour at Loggerhead Marinelife Center