Rochester Deaf Awareness Week kicked off Tuesday afternoon with the flag-hanging ceremony.

The week allows the city to get to know their deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors. Members of the deaf community gathered at City Hall Monday in order to start the week’s worth of events. resources were also provided.

“Deaf and hearing people are the same,” said Fred Beam, chairperson of Rochester Deaf Awareness Week. “We want to let you know that we can do anything except hear. Don’t let people stop us from becoming fully human or full persons. That’s what Deaf Awareness Week is all about.”

Other events this week include a deaf casino night, a deaf film night and readings to children who are hard of hearing. Events will last through Saturday.