A Home Run for Deaf Culture: Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf

“I want those campers to be able to have access that they need to be able to learn baseball and more importantly, learn to become comfortable with their identity as a Deaf and hard-of-hearing child.” – Dylan Heuer, Iowa Baseball Camp Director

Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf’s (IBCD) mission is to “provide an instructive, safe and fun environment for the children to learn fundamental baseball skills in addition with fun activities.” In 2024, IBCD celebrated its ninth year of empowering Deaf and hard-of-hearing students on and off the field.

News of special plans for IBCD’s 2024 camp spread like wild fire, being featured in news programs across the Midwest such as the Des Moines Register, Chicago Tribune, and even MLB.com.

IBCD’s 2024 camp week was especially memorable with a week of training concluding with a Deaf Culture Night at the Ballpark with the Iowa Cubs and an exclusive camp tour of the field and Principal Park. The Iowa Cubs fully embraced Deaf Culture featuring the IBCD campers signing the National Anthem and seventh inning stretch signature “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” on the big screens. Additionally, designed by IBCD Director Dylan Heuer, the Iowa Cubs sported custom jerseys for Deaf Culture Night with an American Sign Language finger spelling of I-O-W-A.

Excitement of inclusivity filled Principal Park stadium leaving hearing and Deaf/hard-of-hearing attendees alike eager for Deaf Culture Nights to come.

To learn more and be apart of IBCD’s mission, visit their website: https://iowadeafbaseball.com/

Q&A

1. What is the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf?
   It’s a free week-long baseball camp for children who are Deaf or hard of hearing, designed to teach fundamental baseball skills in a fully accessible, inclusive environment.
2. How does the camp integrate Deaf culture into the experience?
   The camp uses American Sign Language for communication, provides interpreters, and features Deaf Culture Night with special events like signing the national anthem, ASL jerseys, and other culture-centered celebrations.
3. What age groups can participate in the Iowa Baseball Camp for the Deaf?
   The camp is open to children aged roughly 7-14 who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
4. How does the Iowa Cubs partnership enhance the camp experience?
   The partnership includes a Deaf Culture Night at the ballpark, ASL jerseys, performances by campers, on-field experiences, and opportunities for visibility of Deaf culture in a broader community setting.
5. Why is it important to have sports camps specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing youth?
   These camps reduce barriers to participation (communication, visibility, inclusion), build community among Deaf youth, boost confidence, and allow for experiences where Deaf children are fully seen, understood, and supported.