Keith Wann Visits Capitol View Thanks to Special Grant

Courtesy of the Des Moines Public Schools Deaf Education Department…

On November 4, 2022, thanks to the generosity of the Polk County Betterment Grant the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program was able to bring Keith Wann, a CODA, child of Deaf Adults, to Capitol View Elementary for an all-school assembly for students and staff. Mr. Wann shared his experience of growing up in a home with Deaf parents. One such story was his suspicions as to whether his mother was truly Deaf. One day while she was vacuuming Keith decided to unplug the vacuum just to test his mother’s hearing. His mother was unaware for a few minutes and continued to vacuum, however, when she did notice, Keith was then sent to his room.

That evening Mr. Wann performed for Deaf community members, staff, families of our DMPS DHH students, as well as ASL students and other guests.

Often when discussing culture, Deaf culture is overlooked. Many times, we think of cultural differences we think only of those from another country who speak a different language. It was inspiring for all in attendance to hear firsthand what it was like growing up in a Deaf household, with Deaf cultural values.