Deaf Women of Rochester collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: RITDSA-0006

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection includes comprehensive records documenting the activities of the group since its formation in 1981. Records include administrative and governance documents, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, newsletters, conference materials, event fundraising, and a DWR Sapphires softball team uniform. Also included are photographs, slides, news clippings. Last, a DVD in the RIT Visual History Series, Deaf Women of Rochester with Vicki Hurwitz and Sally Taylor rounds out the collection.

Added a NTID dvd titled "Deaf Women of Rochester" dated 1/16/2012.

Dates

Creation: 1973-2012

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers.

Biographical / Historical

In 1981, the Mental Health Chapter of the Health Association of Rochester began a support group called Deaf Women of Rochester (DWR). A series of workshops were held for area deaf women "...who shared common problems that are manifested not only by femaleness, but also by deafness." Deaf Women of Rochester was formed to bring together Deaf women for the purpose of networking, professional development, and promoting personal growth. Within five years, DWR was fully independent, raising money through workshops and fundraisers.

In 1990, a steering committee was formed, bylaws were written, and DWR became an official organization under the Empire State Association of the Deaf. By the end of the 1990s, DWR incorporated and held the first Deaf Women United National Conference in Rochester. DWR is still active today and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2006.

Adapted from the Deaf Women of Rochester website.

Extent

13.76 Linear Feet (24 Document boxes, 2 cartons, 2 white corrugated plastic lidded boxes)

Language

English

Additional Description

Overview

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection contains administrative and governance documents, meeting minutes, correspondence, publications, newsletters, conference materials, event fundraising, photographic material, and sports documentation.

Arrangement

Collection materials are arranged by material type.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession number(s): 2007:020, 2007:066, 2010:012, 2010:073, 2011:003, 2011:039, 2013:049

The Deaf Women of Rochester collection is comprised of multiple accessions. The majority of collection materials were donated by Vicky Hurwitz (Director of Outreach Center at the Rochester School for the Deaf) and Sally Taylor (NTID faculty member). Other materials were donated by Kathleen Szczepanek (Deaf Women of Rochester), Joan Naturale (RIT librarian), and Becky Simmons (RIT Archivist).