The Albuquerque Isotopes have announced that “American Sign Language Night” will take place on Friday, August 22 at Isotopes Park. The event will feature several American Sign Language (ASL) initiatives to make the game more accessible and inclusive for deaf and hard of hearing fans.
Among the planned activities are ASL interpreters throughout the ballpark, provided by the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy. Students from the academy will perform the National Anthem in ASL. Player introduction videos will be shown on the videoboard in ASL, and there will be a “Silent Inning” with no music or public address announcements. An ASL interpreter will also sign on both the in-house and MiLB.TV livestreams.
For every home game, closed captioning is available for fans, and ushers carry small dry erase boards to assist with communication.
During the game, Isotopes players will wear specialty jerseys that spell out “Isotopes” using ASL. These jerseys will be auctioned online, with net proceeds benefiting the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy. The silent auction starts at 5:30 p.m. on August 22 and ends at 2:00 p.m. on August 27.
“The Albuquerque Sign Language Academy is honored and excited to partner with the Albuquerque Isotopes for ASL Night,” said Albuquerque Sign Language Academy Executive Director Rafe Martinez. “We cannot thank the Isotopes enough for their willingness to help us expand the world of opportunity and connection through the power of a shared language. A special thank you goes out to the Deaf Culture Center of New Mexico for their support and partnership in embracing the ideal of ‘One Community.’"
Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) will provide resources during the game on the concourse. Teachers from Hodgin Elementary, McKinley Middle, and Del Norte High—schools within APS that offer programs for deaf and hard of hearing students—will be present at the event.
Additionally, Orbit Vinyl Figurines featuring Orbit signing “I Love You” in ASL will be given to the first 3,000 fans through the gates, courtesy of Pepsi.
Tickets remain available for “American Sign Language Night.” Fans can purchase tickets online at abqisotopes.com or visit the Isotopes Park Box Office.
