The Deaf community is not based on geographic proximity like Chinatown or the Italian District for example. The Deaf community is comprised of culturally Deaf people in the core of the community who use a sign language (e.g. American Sign Language or Langue des Signes Quebecois) and appreciate their heritage, history, literature, and culture. The Deaf community is also comprised of other individuals who use the language and have an attitude that makes them an accepted part of the community though they may not be in the core of the community. It exists because of the need to get together, the need to relax and enjoy everything while being together.
Gaslight.
Gaslight was used years ago when Deaf people communicated after sunset under the light of gas lamps before electricity came into existence. Hence it has become a historical remark for the Deaf community to acknowledge the Deaf society's past where many of Deaf people would gather under the gaslight after functions and events to say their long goodbyes. Many Gaslight festivals have now been successful in expanding the history and creating opportunity for others to celebrate the spirit of Deaf community, language and culture.
Australian Deaf Games. The Australian Deaf Games (“the Games”) were first held in 1964 and they are the highest level of Deaf sporting events in Australia and owned and managed by Deaf Sports Australia (“DSA”). Involving up to 18 sports and now held every four years, the Games attract competitors from all over Australia and for the first time in 2008, from New Zealand. While sport is central to the event, the Games also provide a major social and cultural festival for the whole deaf community.
There are also some other sports events such as deaflympics and Asia Pacific Games for the Deaf.
Gaslight.
Gaslight was used years ago when Deaf people communicated after sunset under the light of gas lamps before electricity came into existence. Hence it has become a historical remark for the Deaf community to acknowledge the Deaf society's past where many of Deaf people would gather under the gaslight after functions and events to say their long goodbyes. Many Gaslight festivals have now been successful in expanding the history and creating opportunity for others to celebrate the spirit of Deaf community, language and culture.
Australian Deaf Games. The Australian Deaf Games (“the Games”) were first held in 1964 and they are the highest level of Deaf sporting events in Australia and owned and managed by Deaf Sports Australia (“DSA”). Involving up to 18 sports and now held every four years, the Games attract competitors from all over Australia and for the first time in 2008, from New Zealand. While sport is central to the event, the Games also provide a major social and cultural festival for the whole deaf community.
There are also some other sports events such as deaflympics and Asia Pacific Games for the Deaf.