Deaf News Highlights of 2022
Here are several highlights of the Deaf News that we’ve delivered in 2022.
Troy Kotsur and “CODA”
The first is the success of the film, “CODA,” which had three deaf actors in leading roles: Troy Kotsur, Marlee Matlin, and Daniel Durant. Troy won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as a father and fisherman. The film won the Best Picture Oscar and Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar. Kotsur and “CODA” also won multiple other prestigious Hollywood awards during the 2022 awards season.
British Sign Language Act
The second highlight is when the British Sign Language (BSL) Act passed out of the British parliament and received royal assent and became an act. The bill recognized BSL as a language of England, Wales and Scotland.
Ukraine dominates Deaflympics
The third highlight is the Deaflympic Summer Games in Brazil. Ukraine dominated the medal table with 138 medals, which is especially admirable considering what Ukraine has had to go through with the war. The U.S. was in second place in the table with 55 medals. U.S. swimmer Carli Cronk won 12 gold medals.
Roberto Wirth passes away
The deaf world lost Roberto Wirth, who was a Deaf man that owned a five-star hotel in Rome, Italy. He passed away on June 5 from a heart attack. The hotel, Hotel Hassler, attracted numerous celebrities for decades.
Gallaudet’s Eric Gregory wins NCAA championship
In May, Gallaudet University sprinter Eric Gregory made school history by winning an NCAA Division III national championship in the 400-meter dash with a time of 46.19 seconds. Gallaudet said he is the school’s first national champion.
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Sandra Mae Frank on “New Amsterdam”
Deaf actress Sandra Mae Frank had a breakout role as a surgeon on NBC’s medical drama “New Amsterdam.” Her role was of a signing deaf doctor who had an interpreter with her. One of the episodes highlighted a boy who was suffering from language deprivation.
Daniel Durant on DWTS
A big highlight in the Deaf community is watching Daniel Durant compete on “Dancing with the Stars” on Disney Plus with his dancing partner Britt Stewart. Durant made it into the semifinals before he was eliminated. Many were captivated by the “trio” of Daniel, Britt, and their interpreter Gabriel Gomez.
CSD Riverside football team wins championship
The California School for the Deaf, Riverside football team won the CIF Southern Section 8-man championship in November. They defeated the school that beat them in the previous year’s championship match, Faith Baptist. The CSDR team had a slogan of “unfinished business” and they finished their business.
Raven Sutton on Netflix’s “The Circle”
The last highlight of 2022 is Raven Sutton being on Netflix’s reality show competition “The Circle.” The first four episodes are available to watch right now and Raven has already made an impact. The show will continue into the new year.
That’s some of the highlights I wanted to share in the deaf world in 2022. We are looking forward to more in 2023!