Before the start of the 2018 season, the Eagles hung the first Super Bowl Championship banner in franchise history.
They also introduced a sign language interpreter for the National Anthem at home games.
"The Eagles were looking to lead the way in creating a more inclusive experience for fans, and I knew right away I wanted to be a part of that," said Joy Harris, who has held the role since its inception. "It felt meaningful, not just as a professional role, but as a chance to help open the gameday experience to more people in a very impactful way.
"So now, I have the privilege of interpreting the National Anthem at every home game. It's beyond rewarding to play a small part in making the game more accessible for everyone. It is an honor to be part of the Eagles family."
Harris is a nationally certified sign language interpreter. She doesn't have anyone who is deaf in her family. Instead, she felt called to become a sign language interpreter.
"As a little girl, I thought sign language was cool. Fast forward to college, when I was in my undergrad, I took my first sign language course at Temple and loved it," Harris said. "After graduation, I continued to learn sign language and enrolled in an interpreter program. I love my job. I can't imagine myself doing anything different.
"The most fulfilling part of my job is leveling the playing field so deaf and hard-of-hearing people can participate 100 percent. We interpreters work to break down barriers, communication barriers. As you know, sign language interpreters are more commonly seen in media and at different events. Think about what you do as a hearing person every day – doctor appointments, business meetings, births, weddings. Deaf people want to participate in those fully, just like you do. Interpreters facilitate communication so that deaf people can participate fully. We see the most private and intimate parts of deaf people's lives, and that's not to be taken lightly."
No two days are the same for Harris as a sign language interpreter because of the innumerable environments and situations she works in. She certainly never envisioned herself on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the Parade of Champions in February following the Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs. As Deaf Awareness Week kicks off, Harris wants to help quell the myths and misconceptions regarding the deaf community.
"The list is endless," Harris said. "I wish the hearing world knew what a rich, linguistic culture and history the deaf community has. That the hearing world didn't look at them as broken or impaired. Deaf people can do everything you and I can do except hear."
