September & October Panther Pulse
Sept&Oct Edition: Halloween & Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
September & October: Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month and Halloween
Celebrating Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month
Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month: Honoring Culture & Identities
September 15 – October 15 is a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. This month also reminds us of the importance of intersectionality—how aspects of identity like race, culture, language, gender, and disability shape unique experiences.
For example, being both Hispanic/Latinx and Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind adds layers that influence how one navigates the world. Honoring these intersections helps build a more inclusive community where everyone feels seen and valued.
🎥 Enjoy this video from Rochester School for the Deaf: Día de los Muertos ASL Story
Nightmare Factory Returns!
Halloween is here—and so is the Nightmare Factory Haunted House at OSD! For decades, it’s thrilled visitors while giving students hands-on skills in design, special effects, and acting.
This year, Davis Graveyard created a haunting tombstone to honor our legendary Ed Roberts—his spirit will always be with us.
🎥 Don’t miss SAIF’s Odd Jobs feature on the Nightmare Factory: Watch the video.
Open every weekend in October, plus Halloween night and a blackout event in early November. Come if you dare!
OSD September & October eNewsletter
Back to School Updates
🤟 September is Deaf Awareness Month, and we are excited to welcome Justin Perez for a stunning Visual Vernacular performance along with interactive student workshops!
📅 Are you a sports fan? Come and support our Panthers! Game Schedule via School Events Calendar
Special Events - October & November
Events are listed in chronological order:
9/19 - Portland - Deaf Game Night
We are having a Deaf Game Night! Invite your friends, roll the dice, and let the fun begin! Full ASL and everyone is welcome: Deaf, HoH, and ASL students. Bring your favorite snacks and games to share.
When: Friday, September 16th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: 9901 SE Caruthers St, Portland, OR
9/20 - Happy Valley - Mini Golf with Oregon Deaf Autism
Oregon Deaf Autism is hosting a Mini Golf event for all ages at Eagle Landing! Deaf Autism, Neurodivergent and Friends and Supporters are welcome!
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2:00 PM
Where: Eagle Landing Miniature Golf, 10220 SE Causey Ave, Happy Valley, OR
Admission: $18 for 36 holes course! Please RSVP at or.deaf.autism@gmail.com before September 20th for a $10 discount!
9/21 - Salem - Community Class: Intro to Bouldering at The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym
The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym is having an ASL Friendly Community Class: Intro to Bouldering!
When: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 11:00 AM (2 hours class)
Where: The Rock Boxx Gym, 3895 Cascadia Canyon Ave. SE, Suite #110, Salem
Admission: $20.00/person, email at climbing@therockboxx.com
This adult's class for ASL-users will cover sport rules, safety, bouldering etiquette, basics of body movement, and tips and tricks for better climbing technique! Shoes and chalk included in class.
Questions? Contact Instructor Caleb Aodhen at reached.caleb@gmail.com
9/21 - Portland - Art in ASL at Portland Art Museum with Deaf Look Club
Enjoy free admission at the "Art in ASL" event, led by Bridge City Montessori School's Deaf Look Club.
When: Sunday, September 21st. Doors open at 10:00 AM, Museum Tours from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Where: Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
More Info: BCMS Deaf Look Club Facebook Page
9/27 - Salem - Family Camp (Hands & Voices of Oregon)
Hands and Voices of Oregon is hosting its annual Family Camp! The theme this year is Brave and Free as the Sea!
When: Saturday, September 27th, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where: Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Admission: $55 per person (includes a full day of learning, childcare, lunch, dinner & snacks) - Scholarships available!
Tickets & More Info: www.handsandvoicesor.org/camp
9/28 - Portland - Maple Collection Tour, ASL interpreted
Hoyt Arboretum will have a Free Public Tour of the Maple Collection. This tour will be joined by an American Sign Language interpreter.
When: Sunday, September 28th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Where: Hoyt Arboretum, 4000 SW Fairview Blvd, Portland, OR
Admission: Sign up day-of at the Visitor Center - space is limited!
Questions? Contact Nina Avila at nina@hoytarboretum.org
10/3 - 11/1 - Salem - Nightmare Factory Haunted House at OSD
Nightmare Factory Haunted House at Oregon School for the Deaf is the longest running haunted house in the state of Oregon!
Where: Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
Dates, Tickets & More Info: Nightmare Factory Haunted House
10/7 - Salem - Friends & Family Night at McMenamins Boon's Treasury with Friends of OSD
Friends of Oregon School for the Deaf (FOSD) is hosting a Friends & Family Night as a fundraiser that will support school projects, such as: field trips, career exploration opportunities, classroom curriculum supplements, dormitory furnishings and accessories, expansion of Career Technical Education programs, projects and activities that enhance and enrich students' education experience at OSD.
When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM All Ages welcome; 9:00 PM to closing Adults only
Where: McMenamins Boon's Treasury, 888 Liberty St NE, Salem, OR
Learn more about FOSD: Friends of Oregon School for the Deaf
10/9-10/11 - Salem - ASL Roundtable Conference
Join us for the 19th National ASL Roundtable Conference at Oregon School for the Deaf! This year's conference theme is: UPLIFT, UNITE, and UNSTOPPABLE. ASLRT is an annual conference that brings together educators, researchers, and advocates dedicated to ASL and Deaf education. It serves as a platform for collaboration and professional development in the field.
When: October 9th to 11th, 2025 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER: Sept 30th
Where: Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St NE, Salem, OR
Contact: ASLRT2025@osd.k12.or.us
Learn more about ASLRT: 19th National ASL Roundtable Conference
Recurring ASL & Deaf Events in the PNW
Events are sorted by cities in alphabetical order:
Albany Deaf Social
Albany Deaf Social: All are welcome - Deaf, HOH, ASL users; please join for a cup of coffee and good conversation.
When: Second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Saturday each month from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: Margin Coffee Roasters (Downtown) 206 2nd Ave., Albany, OR 97321
Beaverton ASL Chat
Beaverton ASL Chat: All ages and skill levels are welcome.
When: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Where: BGs Food Cartel 4250 SW Rose Biggi Ave., Beaverton, OR 97005
Art in ASL at Portland Art Museum - Free Tours for the Deaf
Bridge City Montessori School Deaf Look Club - Deaf and HH Tours at Portland Art Museum
When: Every third (3rd) Sunday of the month (except holidays). Doors open at 10:00 AM with Museum Tours from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Where: Portland Art Museum 1219 SW Park Ave., Portland, OR 97205
More Info: BCMS Deaf Look Club Facebook Page
Portland ASL Game Night
ASL Game Night at the Sign Language Cafe
When: Every Thursday, 4:00 PM - close
Where: ASL Coffee Shop, Woodstock Cafe 4103 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
More Info: Woodstock Cafe Facebook Page
Portland Bi-Monthly Bike Ride
Bridge City Montessori School Deaf Look Club Bi-Monthly Bike Ride
When: Every second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Saturday. Meet at 10:00 AM, Leave by 10:15 AM.
Where: ASL Coffee Shop, Woodstock Cafe 4103 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
More Info: BCMS Deaf Look Club Facebook Page
Portland Sign Squad
Sign Squad meet ups at the Sign Language Cafe
When: Tuesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: ASL Coffee Shop, Woodstock Cafe 4103 SE Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202
More Info: Woodstock Cafe Facebook Page
Salem FACTS Night at Oregon School for the Deaf
Family And Community Together for School (FACTS) Night at Oregon School for the Deaf
When: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (RSVP to confirm time) on every third Wednesday of the month: 9/17, 10/22, 11/19, 12/17, 1/21, 2/18, 3/18, 4/21, 5/20
Where: Oregon School for the Deaf, Lindstrom Hall or Peterson Hall, 999 Locust St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
More Info: For families with DHH children of school age and OSD staff/volunteers; ASL interpretation provided, Spanish interpreteration upon request; RSVP is required. Contact Dean of Student Life at rose.covell@osd.k12.or.us or Front Office at 503-400-6180.
Vancouver Flying Hands (ASL) Social Chat
Flying Hands (ASL) Social Chat: All ages and skill levels are welcome.
When: Sundays, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Where: Vancouver Mall Dining Court, 2nd Floor 8700 NE Vancouver Mall Dr., Vancouver, WA 98662
Note: Please check posts from Gary Holden in Portland Metro ASL & Deaf Events Facebook Page prior to attending as location/date sometimes change