Deaf Education Takes Center Stage at First “Fields of Possibility: Where Deaf Education Takes Root” Summit

Wayne Betts speaks at the Fields of Possibility Event

RIVERSIDE – More than 300 Deaf educators from over 50 school districts throughout California experienced the first “Fields of Possibility: Where Deaf Education Takes Root” event at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

The first-of-its-kind gathering was created to equip educators to support the needs of 17,000 students attending California’s public schools who are considered Deaf and/or hard-of-hearing (DHH)—including 1,163 in Riverside County.

The free, one-day summit was a joint partnership between the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) and California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR).

Dr. Edwin Gomez and April McArthur

“The success of this event is an inspiring example of the power of the possible. When educators are focused on collaboration, inclusiveness, and providing extraordinary service, our students are the ultimate beneficiaries,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “The educators and presenters in the Deaf community who traveled from all corners of California to attend this event are truly a testament to the dedication of our educators who provide exceptional service to exceptional students.”

"Through our partnership with Riverside County Office of Education, the Deaf Education Summit stands as a powerful reminder that when we come together with shared purpose, we do more than host an event, we shape the future. At California School for the Deaf, Riverside, we believe collaboration is the soil where innovation takes root. When we plant seeds together—across schools, agencies, and communities—new ideas and opportunities don’t just grow, they flourish. This work can serve as a model for others: united, intentional, and grounded in the belief that Deaf education deserves nothing less than our collective best,” said California School for the Deaf, Riverside, Superintendent, April McArthur.

Emceed by Jonaz McMillan, an award-winning author, artist, and producer based in Los Angeles, the event featured student performances and multiple DeafEdX presentations including:

• The Power of Language: Play, Access, Development, and Compassion (Dr. Nancy Hlibok Amann)
• Creating Authentic Spaces Through Microaffirmations: Transformative (Dr. Flavia Fleischer and Dr. Julie Rems-Smario)
• Deaf Education Practices
• Language is the Blueprint for Life (Dr. Patrick Graham)
• AI and Deaf Education: The Future Is Already Here (Wayne Betts, Jr.)
• From Experience to Advocacy: Drug Prevention in the Deaf Community (Clyde Catron)
• From Compliance to Co-Conspiracy: Reimagining the Blueprint for Deaf Education (Mallorie Evans)

CSDR students perform on stage.

Each of the DeafEdX presenters participated in a group panel to discuss essential topics raised during their presentations and fielded questions from the audience.

The afternoon included 10 breakout sessions covering themes such as deaf stereotype trauma, artificial intelligence, social emotional learning, and language play and imagination. The day ended with ASL Night: The Art Within, a standing-room-only showcase of ASL storytelling and performances featuring well-known local artists such as Mike Anderson, Yamila Davis, Harold Foxx, Leila Hanaumi, Otis Jones IV, Tommy Korn, Giovanni Maucere, John Maucere, Sammy Ruiz, Catalene Sacchetti, Terrylene Sacchetti, and Shaheem Sanchez.

Sponsors of the event included: Convo, Gallaudet University, Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, RISE Interpreting, Alliant University, DawnSignPress, and Sorenson.

About the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE)

RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students—more than the student population of 17 states. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minor, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff, throughout the 7,000 square miles of Riverside County. Learn more about the programs and services of RCOE at www.rcoe.us.

About California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR)

California School for the Deaf, Riverside (CSDR) is a free, public California state school serving approximately 400 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students from 12 counties across Southern California. CSDR provides a bilingual ASL–English educational program from early childhood through high school, offering a full continuum of academic, residential, and support services designed specifically for Deaf learners. CSDR offers standards-aligned academics, college and career preparation, and access to specialized services that support language development and student achievement. Students participate in a wide range of athletic programs, including competitive interscholastic sports, as well as clubs, student organizations, and leadership opportunities that promote civic engagement, collaboration, and self-advocacy. Through academics, sports, arts, and extracurricular involvement, CSDR prepares students with the skills, experiences, and leadership foundation needed for postsecondary success and lifelong learning. To learn more about CSDR, go to www.csdcubs.com and follow them via @csdriverside.