This annual event has long been an ICRID staple. We host a silent weekend retreat geared towards student interpreters and ASL students. This is an immersive experience where participants are asked to turn their voices off for the duration of this weekend event and explore the use of nonverbal communication. Through games, workshops, and social situations, participants can get a taste of what it is like for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to make their way through life. 

To encourage participants to turn their voices off, we have a "penalty" system in place. For each word uttered, intentional or accidental, there is a modest 25-cent fine.

Talk, and you must feed Bernie the Blab Jar! Bernie is an insatiable quarter-eating machine just looking for the chance to chomp on your chump change. Say that five times fast!