Deaf Lit Fest is BACK!
Mark your calendar for October 9-11, 2026 at Hugo House in Seattle, Washington.
This is a festival that aims to spotlight Deaf authors of various backgrounds, provide some workshops related to writing and the literary world, and give opportunities for people to meet other like-minded people.
Youtube ID: Video opens with Rogan signing to the camera. He stands in front of a background covered with writing tools and coffee cups.
ID: Ad for Deaf Lit Fest, “Book Discussion with Rogan Shannon, Fest Director” on a teal bacgkround of writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug. A pinned Post-It note with text below: “Sunday, Oct 4, 1-3 PM. Deaf Spotlight, 1517 12th Ave, Seattle WA 98122. Snacks & Drinks provided!” Next to the post-it note is the book cover for Rachel Kolb’s “Articulate”.
Book Discussion with Rogan,
Deaf Lit Fest Director
Sunday, Oct 4
1 - 3 pm PST
Location: Deaf Spotlight, 1517 12th Avenue, Unit 202, Seattle, WA
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Here’s your chance to discuss Rachel Kolb’s new memoir “ARTICULATE,” among peers and get ready to meet Rachel in person at the Deaf Lit Fest the following weekend!
Get this book at any independent bookstore in Puget Sound region. Alternatively, you can borrow this book from your local library in person or via Libby. Be sure to read Kolb’s book on your own time beforehand and come ready to discuss your thoughts and feelings with your peers!
This event will be in ASL. Thank you for your understanding in advance.
Questions? Send an email to deaflitfest@DeafSpotlight.org.
FEST SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
Oct 9
SATURDAY
Oct 10
7 - 11 PM: SOCIAL TIME @ Stoup Brewing -
Capitol Hill
SUNDAY
Oct 11
Featured Guests
We are pleased to announce the following authors, who will be joining us this fall!
Brittany Castle
Author & Illustrator
Brittany Castle is a Deaf artist and founder of 58 Creativity, a brand known for celebrating American Sign Language through visual art. A Gallaudet University graduate, she creates ASL-inspired books, prints, and products that promote Deaf culture, education, and representation in creative and accessible ways.
Follow her work: Instagram | Facebook | Website
When will you see them? Bringing Sign Language to the Page Panel (Saturday, Oct 10 from 1:30 - 3 pm) & Fireside Chat & Book Signing (Sunday, Oct 11 from 2-3 pm)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- A Caucasian female with medium-length blonde hair wearing a red jacket over a light green shirt.
Rachel Kolb
Author
Rachel Kolb is a writer whose work explores communication, language, and disability as central components of human experience. Her work has been published in The New York Times and The Atlantic, among other venues, and she is the author of the memoir Articulate (Ecco, 2025).
Follow her work: Instagram | Website
When will you see them? Firechat Chat (Friday, Oct 9 from 7 to 8:30 pm)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- Rachel Kolb is a white woman with long blonde hair wearing a red turtleneck. Photo credit: Josephine Sittenfeld.
Sydney Langford
Author
Sydney Langford is a queer, Deaf-Hard of Hearing, and physically disabled author whose biggest passion in life is creating stories that reflect the diverse world we live in—whether that be rom-coms about quirky, disabled teens; or contemporaries that feature queer joy.
Follow their work: Instagram | Website
When will you see them? Publishing Your Work: Authors Panel (Saturday, Oct 10 from 9 to 10:30 am)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- A shoulders-up headshot of Sydney Langford, a pale person with blue eyes, and wavy, chin-length brown hair with the tips dyed hot pink; they’re wearing a black & white striped shirt and a silver nose ring. They're smiling at the camera.
Youmee Lee
Author & Illustrator
Youmee Lee is a deaf artist and educator based in Brooklyn. Youmee created an animated Google Doodle of Dorothy "Dot" Miles, a beloved deaf pioneer of sign language poetry. She wrote and illustrated the children's book series, The Chang Family, about an Asian American family, published by Gallaudet University Press.
Follow her work: Instagram | Website
When will you see them? Bringing Sign Language to the Page Panel (Saturday, Oct 10 from 1:30 pm - 3 pm)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- Youmee Lee, a smiling Asian woman, long dark hair, light striped shirt.
Raymond Luczak
Author, Poet & Publisher
Raymond Luczak is the author and editor of over 40 books, including the poetry collections Ironhood and Animals Out-There W-i-l-d. He’s edited the anthologies I’ll Tell You Later: Deaf Survivors of Dinner Table Syndrome and Deaf Poetry Now!!! He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Follow his work: Facebook | Instagram | Website
When will you see them? Publishing Your Work: Authors Panel (Saturday, Oct 10 from 9 to 10:30 am) & Poetry Readings (Saturday, Oct 10 from 3:30 -4 pm)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- Raymond Luczak , a white bearded male in a plaid work shirt, with “Raymond Luczak, Author, Publisher & Poet” on the white frame and his book cover- “I’ll Tell You Later.”
Carlisle Robinson
Author & Illustrator
Carlisle Robinson is a comic creator and illustrator from Canada and USA. They are passionate about educating the public with rarely told stories by the minority groups, especially deaf people. They went to Gallaudet University for undergrad. They graduated from The Center for Cartoon Studies in Spring 2015 with a Master of Fine Arts. They currently reside in Toronto.
Follow their work: Facebook | Instagram | Website
When will you see them? Bringing Sign Langauge to the Page Panel (Saturday, Oct 10 from 1:30 pm - 3 pm) & Fireside Chat with Brittany Castle (Sunday, Oct 11 from 2-3 pm as a Moderator)
ID: Deaf Lit Fest Author Ad- Carlisle Robinson, a white nonbinary person with brown shoulder length and glasses in a dark top. “Author & Illustrator” on the white frame. Book cover for “The Journey” overlaps the photo.
Panels
ID: Banner with a teal background of writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug. Title across the banner: “Bringing Sign Language to the Page”. Text on orange post it on right: “Illustrators Panel + Q&A, Oct. 10, 2026, 1:30 - 3 PM”.
Bringing Sign Language to the Page:
Illustrators Panel + Q & A
Saturday, Oct 10
1:30 -3 pm
Guests: Brittany Castle, Youmee Lee, Carlisle Robinson
Moderator: Phelan Conheady
Illustrating hands is hard enough, how about when it’s for sign language? Come and learn from Deaf illustrators who have done a range of art for children's books, their own work, and more.
ID: Banner with a teal background of writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug. Title across the banner: “Bringing Sign language to the Page”. Text on orange post it on right: “Illustrators Panel & Q&A, Sat., Oct 10, 2026. 1:30-3 PM”. Three Polaroid photos in a row below the banner on right, from left to right with names on the white frames: Brittany Castle, Youmee Lee, and Carlisle Robinson”.
ID: Banner with a teal background of writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug. Title across the banner: “Publishing Your Work”. Text on orange post it on right: “Authors Panel & Q&A, Sun., Oct 11, 2026. 9 - 10:30 AM”.
Publishing Your Work:
Authors Panel + Q & A
Sunday, Oct 11
1:30 -3 pm
Guests: Rachel Kolb, Sydney Langford & Raymond Luczak
Moderator: Guthrie Nutter
In the publishing industry, there are many ways of getting a book out in the world: traditionally, self-publishing, and something in between. These panelists will talk about that variety and their personal experiences with the publishing industry.
ID: Three Polaroid photos in a row below the banner on right, from left to right with names on the white frames: Rachel Kolb, Sydney Langford, and Raymond Luczak”.
ID: Banner for Community Grounded Writing Group on a teal background of writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug. Title across on banner: Community Grounded Writing Group and orange posit: “Storytellers Panel Q&A”.
Community Grounded Writing Group:
Storytellers Panel + Q & A
Sunday, Oct 11
11 am - 12:30 pm
Guests: Aimee Chou, Rhonda Cochran, Kalen Feeney, Guthrie Nutter, Ellie Savidge & Irvine Stewart
The Pacific Northwest Writers’ Group is a Deaf community writing ensemble that formed out of Deaf Lit Fest 2024. This time around, they will be chatting about their backgrounds in writing, their experiences of forming this group, and the benefits of having a community-grounded group for telling stories and growing skills in writing.
This programming seeks to emphasize the value of community grounded storytelling through writing to bring visibility to untold or undiscovered stories that live in the DHDBDDHH community. Additionally, this aims to inspire and cultivate future writers who may be curious, not yet confident, or seeking other writing peers to advance their craft.
The audience will:
Learn about the varied backgrounds of other writers in the community
Observe writers expressing their stories in ASL
Understand the benefits of community grounded storytelling as a healing / identity building mechanism
Reflect on potentially starting their own community-grounded writing group
GROUP BIO: The Pacific Northwest Writers’ Group (PNWWG) is a Deaf community writing ensemble that formed after the 2024 Deaf Literary Festival. It is a collegial space to grow, nurture, and celebrate our individual journeys with the writing craft with an emphasis on the lived experience of being Deaf and / or Hard of Hearing. Our genres range from screenwriting, poetry, memoir writing, and more. To date, PNWWG has co-developed two pre-published themed anthologies into zines: (Love and Death(f) Stories) of short stories. The group includes: Aimee Chou, Rhonda Cochran, Kalen Feeney, Guthrie Nutter, Ellie Savidge & Irvine Stewart.
ID: Ad for Deaf Lit Fest, “ASL Storytime” on a pinned post-it note with text below: “Saturday, Oct 10, 9 - 9:30 AM”. A polaroid photo of Sam Sanders is on the right, with text on the white frame: “Sam Sanders, Storyteller”. Teal background with writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug.
ASL Storytime with Sam Sanders
Saturday, Oct 10
9 am - 9:30 am
Bring your children to watch a Deaf storyteller bring the pages to life in ASL!
*You and your family are welcome to join ASL Storytime on Saturday from 9:00–9:30 am; no ticket required.
If you'd like to attend other festival events, you'll need separate tickets.
Originally from the Midwest, Sam Sanders is a Seattle resident who enjoys the city and its proximity to the natural wonders. He is a Preschool teacher at the Rosen Family Center and spends every second Saturday of the month sharing ASL stories at the Kenmore King County Library.
ID: Banner for Community Grounded Writing Group on a teal background of writing supplies and flowers. Title across on teal background: “Poetry Readings” an orange scrap of paper: “Oct. 10, 2026, 3:30 - 4 PM”.
Poetry Readings
Saturday, Oct 10
3:30 - 4 pm
Guests: Felicia Kohls, Raymond Luczak & Irvine Stewart
Like reading poetry, abstract work, and short stories?
Come see Deaf poets and writers read some of their work live in sign language!
Felicia Kohls is a Deaf multidisciplinary artist. She identities as Mexican and Puerto Rican. Her writing explores grief, cultural heritage, dreams, and memory through poetry and literary storytelling shaped by lived experience. She plans to release her debut book in late fall 2026 or early 2027.
Follow their work: Facebook | Instagram
Raymond Luczak is the author and editor of over 40 books, including the poetry collections Ironhood and Animals Out-There W-i-l-d. He’s edited the anthologies I’ll Tell You Later: Deaf Survivors of Dinner Table Syndrome and Deaf Poetry Now!!! He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Follow his work: Facebook | Instagram | Website
Irvine Stewart has over twenty years of social work experiences in diverse settings such as school, mental health agency, and community. He carries a love of writing since he was in high school. He had won award for his writing in the past. Mr. Stewart also had hidden talent as performing artist. He was in Deaf Spotlight’s Beautiful Boy play in Spring 2023. He performed for many theater and dance companies. The Wild Zappers [ all male hip-hop dance troupe] was formed by Irvine Stewart in 1990. Mr. Stewart is currently retired from dancing but continues to share love of dance with anyone willing to learn.
Workshops
ID: Ad for Deaf Lit Fest “Youth Writing Workshop”, with the title on a post-it note on the right side with text “ASL Literacy for Children, Saturday, Oct 10, 10-11:30 AM” A Polaroid photo of Anna Bracilano on the left, with text on the white frame: “Anna Bracilano, Educator”.A polaroid photo of Kai Winchester on the right, with text on white frame: “Kai Winchester, Educator”. A teal background with writing supplies, flowers, and a coffee mug.
ASL Literacy for Children
Join us for an engaging and Deaf-friendly literacy workshop designed for parents, caregivers, and educators of deaf and hard of hearing children. Learn practical strategies to incorporate American Sign Language (ASL), body language, and facial expressions into shared reading, strengthen children’s expressive and receptive language skills, gain the confidence to pick up any picture book and create an interactive, language-rich reading experience for Deaf/HH children of any age. Discover how simple it can be to incorporate everyday storytime between you and your child, regardless of signing level!
Just starting out with signing or no signing skills? No worries! All signing levels and skills are welcome!
This workshop will give you a basic jump off point, tips and strategies to start engaging your child with the love of reading and develop language skills.
Saturday, Oct 10
10 to 11:30 am
Instructors: Anna Bracilano & Kai Winchester
For whom? Parents, Caregivers & Educators
*Please note that a workshop ticket covers only the workshop; it does not include admission to other festival events on Saturday, Oct 10th. If you'd like to attend other events that day, you'll need to purchase a festival day pass as well.
Anna Bracilano is a Washington State native, born in Seattle and raised outside of the city. Growing up, she was involved with Deaf Youth Drama Program, as an actress and stage crew with NTID Performing Arts and Gallaudet University Theatre. Supporting Deaf Spotlight Presents as an actress/crew/youth program educator since 2012.
Kai Winchester (he/him) is a Deaf PNW native who works in K-12 education and has been active in the D/HH theater space since he was 6. (A long time!) He also ASL, loves reading, games in general, and his dog.
ID: Ad for Deaf Lit Fest “Youth Writing Workshop”, with the title on a post-it note on the right side with text “Youth Writing Workshop, Saturday, Oct 10, 10-11:30 AM” A Polaroid photo of Rhonda Cochran on the left, with text on the white frame: “Rhonda Cochran, Playwright”. A teal background with writing supplies and a coffee mug.
Youth Writing Workshop
The Pacific Northwest Writers’ Group, a Deaf community writing ensemble that formed out of Deaf Lit Festival 2024, will be empowering youth to tell the stories they want through this workshop. They will learn and build character, setting and story arcs, use the writing style that they enjoy the most, and figure out where their interest lies in storytelling. Deaf youth will be able to interact with their peers and Deaf adult role models in a creative and learning environment.
By the end of the workshop, youth will be excited to express their creative minds through writing utilizing the skills they they’ve learned throughout the workshop.
Saturday, Oct 10 from 10 to 11:30 am
Instructor: Rhonda Cochran
For whom? 7-14 years old youth
*Please note that a workshop ticket covers only the workshop; it does not include admission to other festival events on Saturday, Oct 10th. If you'd like to attend other events that day, you'll need to purchase a festival day pass as well.
Instructor Bio: As a proud Washingtonian, Rhonda Cochran also spent part of her childhood living in England with her family. An enthusiast for live theater, she currently works as the Deaf Community Access Coordinator for 5th Avenue Theater, Seattle Rep Theater as well as DASL for Seattle Children’s Theater productions, all located within the Puget Sound area.
In 2023, after receiving a generous grant from Sound Theater Company (STC), Rhonda wrote DINNER NOTE, a play focusing on a Black Deaf family, with poetry by Irvine Stewart.
After a live community reading in 2024, DINNER NOTE was chosen to be produced at Gallaudet University in DC for their 2026 Spring Production. The process has motivated her to continue working on her skills to improve as a writer.
Stop by Saturday, Oct 11 from 9 AM to 5 PM to check out the fantastic vendors and their work at the Art Market! Click their Polaroid below to learn about their work.
In alphabetical order, here are the vendors: Brittany Castle, Loni Friedman, Tommy Fuglestad, Felicia Kohls, Sami Liddick, Raymond Luczak, Mia Milling, Jaron Rekhop, Carlisle Robinson, Ann Silver, Rachel Zemach & Jessie Zhang.
2026
DLF
Committee
Rogan Shannon
Festival Director
Aly Boote
Access Coordinator
Buddy Elledge
Creative Director
Sara Jane Fair
Committee Member
Patty Liang
Logistics
Kellie Martin
Vendor Coordinator
Danica Metlay
Volunteer Coordinator
Kate Strack
Committee Member
SUPPORTERS
ID: a white background with orange "A" with two leaves sprouting from left and black capitalized text: ARTS (bold) FUND.
ID: a white background with a green logo with a shadow: "4" and CULTURE without shadow.
ID: Stoup Brewing Logo- a hexagon with a light rail train in front of a city skyline across the top, with “Stoup” in orange text below, and “Capitol Hill” in dark text on bottom, matching the color of the border around the hexagon.
ID: Logo for Silver Cloud Hotel. Grey letters "S" and "C" connected with "I" behind "C", a leafed plant growing out of "I." Underneath is grey text: "Silver Cloud Hotel. Seattle - Broadway."
ID: a white background with blue logo "C" over "A&" and text: Office of Arts & Culture with a line over SEATTLE.
ID: a white background with a green logo with a shadow: "4" and CULTURE without shadow.
ID: a white background with white cursive artwork inside a circle with different colors: blue, yellow, red, black and green with text following the curve at bottom: SEATTLE PEOPLES FUND.
ID: Logo for The Elliot Bay Book Company. In a circle, a black sailing ship with buildings and mountains behind. Underneath, black text: “The Elliott Bay Book Company. Since 1973.”
FESTIVAL FAQ
What is Deaf Lit Fest?
Deaf Lit Fest is a brand-new event being hosted by Deaf Spotlight on October 9-11, 2026 at Hugo House in Seattle, Washington.
This is a festival that aims to spotlight Deaf authors of various backgrounds, provide some workshops related to writing and the literary world, and give opportunities for people to meet other like-minded people.
Where is the festival?
Hugo House, 1634 11th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
Where can we park?
We highly encourage you to take public transportation. We are near public bus lines and Light Rail Station: Capitol Hill.
Carpooling is highly encouraged! Paid street parking is available in 2 hours/ 4 hours format and will be free after 6 PM in some areas. Sunday is free.
Parking lots are available nearby at Seattle Central College on Harvard, Diamond Parking Services, and private lots. Park at your own risk.
Where can we eat and drink nearby?
There are fantastic options: cafes, restaurants, bars, and more in walking distance! Yelp is a great resource!
Where can I see the vendor list?
Vendor list to come soon.
Which authors will be featured at the festival?
Brittany Castle, Author & Illustrator, Visual Stories in Sign Language
Rachel Kolb, Author, Articulate
Sydney Langford, Author, Someone to Dream About
Youmee Lee, Author & Illustrator, The Chang Family Series
Raymond Luczak, Author, Poet & Publisher, I’ll Tell You Later
Carlisle Robinson, Author & Illustrator, The Journey: Deaf Ontarians’ Stories of Resilence
Will the festival be virtual, in-person, or hybrid format?
The festival will be in person at this time.
What is the festival schedule?
When will tickets & passes be on sale?
What if I only want to take a workshop?
You're welcome to register for a workshop on its own. Please note that a workshop ticket covers only the workshop; it does not include admission to other festival events on Saturday, Oct 10th. If you'd like to attend other events that day, you'll need to purchase a festival day pass as well.
What if my family and I only want to show up for the ASL Storytime?
You and your family are welcome to join ASL Storytime on Saturday from 9:00–9:30 am; no ticket required.
If you'd like to attend other festival events, you'll need to purchase separate passes / tickets.
We'd also encourage you to check out our workshops, which are sold separately from festival tickets and open to non-festival attendees, too: ASL Literacy for Children (geared toward parents, educators, and caretakers) and Youth Writing (geared toward youth ages 7–14).
Why there are different prices? What is Radical Hospitality?
Inspired by Sound Theatre Company and other organizations, we are using the Radical Hospitality Ticket Program to make our event more inclusive and welcoming for all.
We’re excited to offer different experiences at different price levels to make Deaf Lit Fest accessible to everyone. No matter which ticket you choose, you’ll get the same great experience. Please choose the price that works for you.
There are no assigned seatings at the Deaf Lit Fest. We will prioritize seating for disabled community members.
What kind of experiences do you offer at the DLF?
Friday Ticket (Oct 9th from 7 pm to 9 pm) featuring a Fireside Chat & Book Signing with Rachel Kolb
General Admission | $20 + fees
Youth | $10 + fees
Saturday Day Pass (Oct 10th from 9 am to 5 pm) featuring ASL Storytime, Illustrators Panel, Vendors , and Poetry Readings (Workshops are not included).
Inclusive Sat Pass | $30 + fees
Supporter Sat Pass | $40 + fees
Patron Sat Pass | $50 + fees
Youth Sat Pass (age 11-18) | $20 + fees
Youth Sat Pass (age 0-10) | free
Sunday Day Pass (Oct 11th from 9 am to 5 pm) featuring Publishers Panel, Writing Group Panel, and Fireside Chat & Book Signing with Brittany Castle
Inclusive Sun Pass | $30 + fees
Supporter Sun Pass | $40 + fees
Patron Sun Pass | $50 + fees
Youth Sun Pass (age 11-18) | $20 + fees
Youth Sun Pass (age 0-10) | free
Weekend Pass for 3 days (Friday-Sunday) includes a DLF swag bag with surprises and a book of your choice: Articulate by Rachel Kolb, Visual Stories in Sign Language by Brittany Castle, or True Biz by Sara Nović.
Inclusive | $120 + fees
Supporter | $140 + fees
Patron | $160 + fees
Here’s the Add-On options:
Saturday Workshop (Oct 10th from 10 am to 11:30 am) ASL Literacy for Children-Parents | $20 + fees
Saturday Workshop (Oct 10th from 10 am to 11:30 am) Youth Writing | $20 + fees
Book: Articulate by Rachel Kolb | $20 + fees
Book: Visual Stories in Sign Language by Brittany Castle | $20 + fees
Book: True Biz by Sara Nović | $20 + fees
DLF swag bag (I Heart Deaf Lit) | $20 + fees
DLF swag bag (Deaf Lit Fest) | $20 + fees
Donation options. Please support our organization by making a donation.
Do you have any questions about ticket sales?
Email info@deafspotlight.org and we will get back to you.
Will there be any CEUS for me to take?
Yes, we are working with HSDC Continuing Education Program (HSDC-CEP) to offer CEUs.
You must purchase your festival tickets or passes first.
Step 1: Review the Deaf Lit Fest here
Step 2: Purchase your DLF pass or tix
Step 3: Register through HSDC Continued Education Program and pay $40
Step 4: Get an Independent Study Application via email
Step 5: Fill out and submit the application to HSDC-CEP BEFORE October 9th
Step 6: Immerse and enjoy the festival
Step 7: Answer the questions for each program and submit to HSDC-CEP afterwards.
Questions? Email CEU@HSDC.org
Can I help support Deaf Lit Fest?
Yes, you can! Promote the festival with your family and friends and consider a donation to Deaf Spotlight.
Any questions, email volunteer@deafspotlight.org.
What if I have a question that is not covered in this FAQ?
Email deaflitfest@deafspotlight.org and we will get back to you.
I would like to share my feedback, who should I contact?
Please do share your thoughts with us by emailing deaflitfest@deafspotlight.org.