History

Thursday, July 8, 2027 - Sunday, July 11, 2027

The Hands Up Conference invites you into a powerful next chapter:
Rooted – Rising from Deaf Roots.

Rooted – Rising from Deaf Roots

The Hands Up Conference invites you into a powerful next chapter: Rooted – Rising from Deaf Roots.

As we look ahead to 2027, we center a truth that defines our existence — ASL professions exists because of Deaf people. American Sign Language, Deaf culture, and Deaf community are not products of the profession; they are its origin.

This theme is a call to return to that foundation.

After years of growth, collaboration, and transformation, we are pausing to ask: What are we grounded in?

Rooted – Rising from Deaf Roots challenges interpreters and ASL professionals to reconnect with Deaf history, Deaf leadership, and Deaf lived experience. It calls us to move away from outdated mindsets and re-center our work in the community that makes this profession possible.

When we are grounded in the right foundation, we don’t move backward—we rise stronger, more ethical, and more aligned.

Secure Your Spot for 2027

Tickets for the 2027 Hands Up Conference are now available. Note: Hotel prices have not been negotiated at this time. Catch your Early Bird price now to save on registration and check back in to secure your hotel room at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center.

Plan ahead, invest in your growth, and be part of a conference experience that is grounded, intentional, and community-centered.

The History of National Tuccelli Day

Every third weekend of June, the ASL community comes together to celebrate National Tuccelli Day, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of Mike and Maureen Tuccelli—visionaries who spent over 40 years fostering growth, education, and inclusion within the American Sign Language (ASL) profession.

How It All Began

In 1979, Mike and Maureen Tuccelli had a bold idea—to create a space where ASL professionals, interpreters, and students could come together in an inclusive, immersive learning environment. They wanted a conference where everyone, regardless of skill level, could feel equal and grow together.

That vision became a reality on June 19, 1980, when they launched the first-ever Silent Weekend Conference—a groundbreaking event designed to provide education, skill development, and community-building in a space where ASL was the primary mode of communication. Over the years, Silent Weekend became a beloved tradition, attracting hundreds of attendees annually and leaving a lasting impact on the ASL community.

Why National Tuccelli Day?

The Tuccellis’ dedication to communication accessibility and professional development changed the landscape of ASL education. Their unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment inspired thousands of interpreters, Deaf individuals, and ASL users across the nation.

Even after decades of success, their passion never wavered. Silent Weekend continued to thrive until Maureen Tuccelli’s passing in 2022, marking the end of an era but not the end of their legacy. National Tuccelli Day was created to ensure their contributions are never forgotten and to inspire future generations to continue their work in accessibility, education, and inclusion.

How Is National Tuccelli Day Observed?

To carry forward the Tuccellis’ mission, their legacy now lives on through the Hands Up Conference, an evolution of the original Silent Weekend. This annual gathering, held on the third week of June, continues to welcome 400+ attendees for an immersive experience of learning, networking, and celebrating ASL.

On National Tuccelli Day, we honor their vision by:

Reflecting on their impact in making ASL education more accessible.
Recognizing interpreters and ASL professionals who embody their spirit of inclusivity.
Encouraging learning and professional development in the field of sign language and Deaf culture.

Although we recognize that June 19th is also celebrated as Juneteenth, we also want to take a few moments to acknowledge the Tuccellis’ additional contributions to the Deaf community, as their work continues to resonate deeply within this space.

A Lasting Legacy

Mike and Maureen Tuccelli’s contributions to the ASL community were profound and transformative. National Tuccelli Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action to continue their work in creating an inclusive, empowering space for ASL users everywhere.

Each year, we will pause to remember, celebrate, and commit to building a future as inclusive, inspiring, and impactful as the one the Tuccellis envisioned over four decades ago. We are all united on common ground—regardless of education, knowledge, race, age, or background—as we continue their legacy of equality, inclusivity, and shared growth.

On National Tuccelli Day, we honor their vision by:

Reflecting on their impact in making ASL education more accessible.
Recognizing interpreters and ASL professionals who embody their spirit of inclusivity.
Encouraging learning and professional development in the field of sign language and Deaf culture.

A Journey of Growth

The Hands Up Conference has always been more than a single event—it is a movement shaped over time. Each year builds upon the last, creating a powerful progression of reflection, connection, and growth.

2024 – Continuing the Legacy

In 2024, we honored the history, pioneers, and foundations of the ASL profession and Deaf culture. We recognized that everything we do today is built on the work and vision of those who came before us.

We extend our gratitude to Mike and Maureen Tuccelli for starting this journey to better our community together in one place at The World’s Largest Silent Weekend, launched on June 19th, 1980.

2025 – Better Together

In 2025, we celebrated the power of community, connection, and collaboration. Like bees working together in a hive, interpreters, ASL professionals, and the Deaf community thrive when we support one another. This year reminded us that shared purpose and teamwork strengthen our profession.

2026 – Waves of Change

In 2026, we ride the Waves of Change.

Building on the foundation of legacy and community, the ASL profession is experiencing shifts, challenges, and transformation. These waves can be powerful, disruptive, and even uncomfortable—but they are necessary.

They push us to reflect, adapt, and rethink how we show up for the Deaf community. By leaning into change, we prepare ourselves for deeper growth and a stronger, more intentional future.