The event included a presentation by UConn Professor Doreen Simons-Marques, in addition to a performance by students from the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford. This year the ASL Club has attracted Harlan Lane, author of books such as "The Mask of Benevolence" and "A Deaf Artist in Early America."

Berman said Lane is internationally known for his psychological research, particularly with respect to the deaf community. According to his biography on www.beacon.org he has received the International Social Merit Award of the World Federation of the Deaf. His discussion today will focus on some of the misconceptions regarding deafness, particularly some of the "deaf myths" that exist in the hearing community.

Also appearing is professional actor Robert DeMayo, who will be performing "Me Hear None." DeMayo, who is deaf himself, will be showcasing how deaf Americans embrace their language and culture. According to www.arizonatotalimmersion.com, he was one of the founders of a community theater called "Sound Off" and has appeared in such deaf theater productions as "Murder by Pager: Who Did It?" and "Jim and Judy's Deaf Wedding."

The ASL Club hopes that the event will help educate the hearing community at UConn in addition to entertaining them.

"This could be a great opportunity for students to learn more about the department and the students involved," Berman said. "Although many view the deaf community and those involved as one group with little variation within, our department here is just a small example of the wildly varying interests, experiences and backgrounds found within this 'silent community.'"

In addition to these speakers, UConn student Stuart Soboleski, an 8th-semester education major, will be lecturing as well.

Berman said Soboleski will be sharing his experiences as the only deaf student at a public university, focusing on how he overcame obstacles in order to successfully integrate himself into a hearing community.

Finally, students from UConn's puppetry arts program will put on a show that will combine American Sign Language with traditional puppetry.

The ASL Club will also be hosting a bake sale outside the event, and will be available to speak to students who are interested in joining. Doors will open at 10:45 a.m.

By James Wortman