ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Gallaudet University Esports Manager
Justin Arrigo, '11, was a guest speaker at the 2025 Esports Summit Program at the Serious Play conference hosted at Rochester Institute of Technology Magic Studios on the RIT Campus on August 16. Arrigo was a panelist on the topic of Inclusive Esports for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students.
The panel discussed how esports programs can become accessible and inclusive for deaf and hard of hearing students. They talked about exploring barriers to participation, communication strategies, accessible events, team culture, leadership practices and role of technology. Summit also highlights how the power of play, games and gamification are transforming education, training, and knowledge mobilization where learning and innovation come to play. There are three panelists including Arrigo, Douglas Boersma (Garden State Esports) & Tanner Ketchum (National Technology Institute for the Deaf) moderated by James O'Hagan (Academy of Esports).
The panel also included the topics about budgets for schools, universities and tournament organizers to ensure inclusive environments.
Boersma also presented on the topic of The Meta of Belonging: Leveling up Impact through Collaboration Bolstered by the synergy of dynamic relationships and meaningful connections with passionate partners, The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children is creating opportunities to join their Esports journey and inspiring others to build the dream for everyone.
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