Welcome to the Deaf Way Sign Language Literature Festival
Since 2025, Gallaudet University has embraced a new model for hosting Deaf Way Festivals: a smaller-scale, biennial experience designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s globally connected Deaf communities.
This reimagined approach preserves the spirit of Deaf Way as a landmark artistic and cultural gathering while transforming it into an ongoing festival series. Each edition offers a more focused and immersive experience, allowing for deeper engagement around specific themes, disciplines, and community conversations.
By shifting to this model, Deaf Way continues to bring people together through meaningful cultural exchange—more intentionally, more frequently, and in ways that reflect the realities of contemporary Deaf lives.
Save the Date: Deaf Way Sign Language Literature Festival
October 21 – 24, 2027
Mark your calendar and be sure to check this page for updates!
Deaf Way Sign Language Literature Festival will spotlight the richness and creativity of sign language storytelling, poetry, performance, and visual expression from Deaf communities around the world.
Through performances, workshops, and immersive experiences, the festival will serve as a global platform for Deaf creative expression, artistic exchange, and the shaping of the future of sign language literature.
Call for Submission
The Deaf Way Sign Language Literature Festival committee is inviting performers to submit an application to perform on stage! Applications are open now and will close on April 25, 2027. Please apply here!
Travel
Gallaudet University is located in the Northeast quadrant of Washington, D.C., adjacent to the vibrant neighborhoods of NoMa and the Union Market District. The Union Market District serves as a culinary and cultural epicenter, offering a diverse array of artisanal foods, beverages, and unique shopping experiences.
Airports
There are three major airports in the Washington, D.C. region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located just 15 minutes from downtown DC; Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD); and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Train or Bus Travel
Traveling by train or bus to and from DC is easy and often affordable.
For trains, Amtrak has frequent daily departures from major cities throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and even Chicago.
For buses, choose between Greyhound and Megabus and get off at Union Station.
From Union Station, you can easily reach Gallaudet University via Metro or a short taxi/rideshare.
Driving and Parking
If you choose to drive, Gallaudet University offers limited parking options on campus.
Lodging
Washington, D.C. offers a wide range of lodging options, but if you’re looking to stay just steps from Gallaudet University, here are some top hotel picks that combine comfort, convenience, and easy access to the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
- Kellogg Conference Hotel (on-campus hotel)
- Marriott Courtyard
- Hyatt Place Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
- Hampton Inn Washington DC NoMa Union Station
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Washington DC NoMa Union Station
- Hilton Garden Inn Washington DC/U.S. Capitol
- The Morrow
- Hotel Nell
- CitizenM Washington DC NoMa
Places to Eat
- Marketplace
- Rathskellar
- Hangout on the Patio at the Kellogg Conference Hotel
- Union Market District
News
Accessibility at Deaf Way Festival
Deaf Way Festival is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all attendees. To ensure full access and comfort, we are proud to offer the following accommodations, with American Sign Language (ASL) as the primary mode of communication throughout the festival:
- Gender-neutral bathrooms
- Parent rooms for caregivers and families
- Quiet space for rest and sensory regulation
- Voice interpretation for non-signing audiences
- International Signs Interpreting
- CART services (real-time captioning) during announcements, panels, and awards ceremony
- All films will be fully captioned
- Wheelchair Access and Close Vision Seating available
- Close Vision and Tactile Interpreting and CoNavigators available upon request
If you have additional access needs, please reach out in advance so we can support your experience at the festival.
Contact
- Deaf Way Festivals
- deafway.festival@gallaudet.edu
