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November 3, 2003

Deaf Expo 2003 West to be held at Long Beach Convention Center Nov. 7-8

From: CSD - Nov 3, 2003

ON-SITE CONTACT: David Rosenbaum, E-Mail: DRosenbaum@skytel.com

CORPORATE CONTACT: Erin Casler, CSD Public Relations ecasler@c-s-d.org

Deaf Expoâ„¢ Targets Deaf Consumers,
Sign Language and Deaf Culture Students This Weekend

Deaf Expo 2003 West to be held at
Long Beach Convention Center Nov. 7-8

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — This weekend’s Deaf Expoâ„¢ event features a number of program enhancements. With over 125 exhibits confirmed, a guest appearance by actor Tyrone Giordano of Broadway’s “Big River,” a new “Sign Language Playhouse,” “Teenage Block” and "Deaf Eye for Hearing" game show on the Deaf World Performing Stage, show organizers hope to attract at least 8,000 patrons to this country's largest consumer trade show targeted at the deaf and hard of hearing market.

Deaf Expo 2003 West takes place Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8 at the Long Beach Convention Center. The event is open to the general public, with voice-interpreted programs and seminars captioned in real time. Sponsored by Greater Los Angeles Council on Deafness, Sprint, Toyota Motor Sales USA and Wynd Communications, Deaf Expo 2003 Westwill include exhibits covering education, finance, giftware, health, human resources, publications, recreation, religion and technology. The Deaf Village also features arts and crafts, home businesses and distribution of materials announcing events and services relevant to consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

A Deaf Expo 2003 West day pass includes admission to the convention center's Exhibit Hall C, where the seminar program, technology forum, deaf art show and Deaf World Stage performances take place.

Patrons can drop off their ticket stubs for hundreds of door prizes. Drawings will be held each hour. Other daytime program features include video relay, TTY and text pager demonstrations. Exhibitors participating at Deaf Expo 2003West will include businesses that produce and distribute merchandise specifically for consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as national service providers who will promote their TTY or relay services.

The "Sign Language Playhouse" gives opportunities for sign language and deaf studies students to learn or polish their signing skills and participate in signing activities and games. (A coordinator will be on site to sign class attendance sheets.)

Two evening events are also scheduled at Long Beach Airport Marriott, official hotel of Deaf Expo 2003 West. On Saturday evening, three Deaf films will be shown, including the world premiere of “No Talking Allowed” and last May’s production of “Dormitory.” Official show Web site is www.DEAFEXPO.org

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Deaf ExpoTM is a registered trademark of Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc.