Running For Language Access: Delaware School For The Deaf’s Annual 5K Makes Every Step Count

For nearly a century, Delaware School for the Deaf has served as the state’s only comprehensive educational institution for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students

By Jamie Kleman | Contributing Journalist Delaware Live | October 2025

On Saturday, November 1, families, educators, alumni, and community supporters will gather at the Delaware School for the Deaf (DSD) campus in Newark to participate in the school’s 8th Annual 5K Run/Walk. The event is focused on providing support for language access, equity, and educational opportunity for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind students across Delaware.

For nearly a century, DSD has served as the state’s only comprehensive educational institution for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. It was established to ensure that children in Delaware would not need to leave the state to receive an accessible and high-quality education. The school remains a leader in bilingual learning, offering full access to instruction in both American Sign Language (ASL) and English while promoting Deaf culture, family engagement, and advocacy.

The event is more than a race. It is a celebration of Deaf culture, inclusion, and community unity. Participants of all ages run, walk, or take part virtually to show their support for students who rely on accessible communication to succeed in school and in life.

Founded on the belief that communication is a human right, DSD provides bilingual education that empowers students with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Funds raised from the 5K directly support educational programs, classroom resources, assistive technologies, and family engagement initiatives that help ensure every student has full access to language and literacy.

“Language access is the cornerstone of equitable education for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. It ensures that every student can fully understand, participate, and engage in learning. When students have access to a complete language, they can develop strong literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking skills,” said Mary Hicks, Bilingual Literacy Specialist and Family and Community ASL Coordinator at DSD.

“Events like this celebrate Deaf culture, promote awareness of communication equity, and help bridge understanding among students, educators, families, and the broader community,” added Hicks.

Participants may run, walk, or register virtually. The course begins and ends on the DSD campus, providing a meaningful connection between the race and the students it benefits. Many participants take part in honor of loved ones, educators, or students who have been positively impacted by the school’s mission.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Delaware School for the Deaf, 630 E. Chestnut Hill Rd., Newark, DE
Registration: Available online through RaceRoster and the DSD website

Registration Fees:

Adult registration: $25 in advance, $30 day-of
Student registration: $15 in advance, $20 day-of
Virtual participation is also available

Funds raised will support early language acquisition, educational materials, student advocacy programs, and tools that provide equal access to communication. These resources are essential in ensuring that Deaf and Hard of Hearing students can reach their full potential in a language-rich environment.

Whether running for time or walking in solidarity, every participant is helping ensure that students across Delaware have the opportunity to learn, grow, and communicate in a world where language access is guaranteed.