The Mill Neck Center for the Deaf is partnering with the New York Mets for a Deaf Awareness Night on May 26 at Citi Field, an event that both celebrates the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and brings accessibility to the forefront on one of the region’s largest public stages.

The evening is expected to draw thousands of fans, with Mill Neck students, staff and community members taking part in key on-field moments, including performing the national anthem in American Sign Language, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and honoring staff members with the Amazin’ Award.

While the organization regularly hosts Deaf Awareness events through sports partnerships, this year’s collaboration with the New York Mets is its largest to date and its only nonprofit partnership of the night.

For Timothy Charon, chief operating officer of the Mill Neck Family of Organizations, the event reflects work that extends far beyond a single night at Citi Field.

“For us here, that’s every day of our lives,” he said. “It’s important to continue to advocate for that community so they have an equitable seat at the table, an equitable chance to live the same lives as everybody else.”

Founded in 1947 by the Lutheran Friends of the Deaf, the Mill Neck Family of Organizations was created to address a gap in deaf education on the East Coast. It has since grown into a full-service nonprofit providing lifelong support to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals and people with developmental disabilities.

Today, its programs offer job training and coaching, independent living support, interpreting services and day and community programs. Dr. Bradley Porche, superintendent of Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf, said the event highlights the organization’s commitment to access, language and opportunity, with programs that support deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals from early education through employment and independent living.

“The impact of Mill Neck is seen in our strong partnership with families,” he said. “Our students go on to lead successful, independent lives, and that is the greatest measure of our work.”

Mill Neck will also have an information table at the stadium, where attendees can learn more about its programs and ways to support its work. Kelly Barbu, director of events at Mill Neck Family of Organizations, said the event is designed to be both accessible and family-friendly, with interpreters placed throughout the venue.

She added that the response from students, families and the broader community has been overwhelmingly positive. The goal is not only to raise awareness and support, but to give attendees a clearer understanding of what accessibility looks like in practice.

Source: LI Press