On June 21, 2025, we had the honor of participating in the important DeafExpo 2025 event in Prešov, which annually brings together the deaf community, experts, interpreters, educators, and organizations working in this field. The atmosphere was full of energy, inspiration, and shared experiences—and we were there.
We took to the stage with the topic “Lost between cultures: the identity of deaf Roma,” which opens an important and often overlooked discussion about how language, culture, ethnicity, and identity intersect. We talked about how deaf Roma stand at the crossroads of two worlds – the Roma and deaf communities – and often face a double barrier: linguistic and social.
Our aim was to highlight the need for understanding, respect, and support for those who find themselves “between cultures” in this space. We also presented our experiences in the field, stories of people who are looking for their place in the world, and the importance of education in sign language as well as in their mother tongue.
The lecture was followed by a lively discussion with the audience—questions, shared experiences, and powerful moments that confirmed that this topic needs to be discussed more.
Participating in DeafExpo was not only an opportunity for us to present our work, but also to meet with a community that is close to our hearts, make new contacts, and draw inspiration for future projects.
We would like to thank the organizers for the invitation, all participants for their openness and support, and we are delighted to be part of a community that breaks down barriers and builds bridges between worlds.
