My name is Lee Cooper. I am partly deaf, and without my hearing aids, I can’t hear what people are saying to me. I have to read their lips to understand people when they talk to me. This was the first-time meeting with the Social Interpreter and Community Collective. SICC aims to build and strengthen the local American Sign Language and sign language interpreting community by hosting regular social get-togethers, outings and networking events.
We want to make sure that we reflect all of the wonderful people who join us. On Monday, Sept. 14, the Chicago Cubs hosted a Deaf Inclusive Night at the historic Wrigley Field. In addition to special pregame activities at Gallagher Way, interpreters were present for player announcements, the national anthem, the seventh-inning stretch and more. Tickets purchased through the special ticket offer included a special-edition Cubs crewneck and the option to select seats in sections with an interpreter.
When we got into Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field, we went through the special ticket, received our ASL (American Sign Language) sweatshirt, met the SICC members and took photos with them. We learned about the events they host for the deaf. SICC meets at different locations each month to engage with its community. The organization helps obtain various items for the deaf and hard of hearing to stay independent at home, communicate with others and more. The Cubs played the Atlanta Braves in the baseball game.
Ushers helped me get close to the field to take photos. Bobby Rawalji did the ASL Interpretation of the National Anthem while Ms. Lainey Doherty sang it at the game. In my area, the interpreters signed the game so that people could follow along and interact with the crowd during the game. SICC has been doing a night for the deaf at Wrigley Field for the last several years. Oh yeah, Cubs won 7-3 over the Braves.
Lee Cooper lives in Rowan County and loves to root for the Chicago Cubs.
