FORT WORTH, Texas — The questions came quickly. So did the excitement.
For young Deaf children, a recent day at the Fort Worth Zoo became something more: a chance to inquire, to discover the animals and join the conversation — all in their native language.
Energy filled the park Sept. 19 when Tarrant County College students, faculty and staff provided sign language interpretation for Deaf Day. It was a great way to open zookeeper chats, giraffe feedings and other experiences to Deaf and Hard of Hearing visitors.
TCC’s 18 students and 11 faculty and staff joined nine volunteers in serving approximately 150 Deaf community members. The Texas Education Agency outreach office provided information to parents of Deaf children.
“This is our fourth annual Deaf Day at the Fort Worth Zoo. Attendance seems to increase every year,” said Maureen Denner, director of TCC’s Sign Language Interpreting program. “The day provides access for the Deaf community to enjoy the zoo just like everyone else. It gives Deaf people and their families opportunities to talk at home about what they learned, what they discussed and which animals were their favorites, just as hearing families do.”
Fort Worth Zoo marketing director Avery Elander said the zoo is determined to be accessible and enjoyed by all. “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with TCC for this annual event. It has become a special tradition for our community.”
Natalie Trevino, a TCC interpreting student intern with Deaf family members, found the event especially meaningful for the communication access the zoo provides.
Interpreting student Efrain Plasencia valued speaking with Deaf evaluators and community members. He said their feedback helped him become a better interpreter.
The experience gives TCC students something a classroom alone cannot provide.
Program director Denner: “The event allows our interpreting interns to serve as interpreters in a variety of settings, introducing them to vocabulary they might not otherwise encounter.”
Denner talked with two of the Deaf children. “They were so excited to be able to ask questions, learn about zoo animals and interact with so many people in their native language.”
Tarrant County College serves nearly 100,000 students each year, offering accessible, affordable pathways to in-demand careers and university transfer. Across multiple campuses and TCC Connect — a fully online learning option — the College partners with more than 1,200 employers to help build the workforce that drives North Texas forward. Bold Steps. Better Futures.