Bridging Communities

Gallaudet is “home” to many Deaf people and all are welcome. There have been instances in history where Deaf and hearing people built communities where members signed with one another. The Office of Placemaking seeks to revive such spatial experiences by embracing ASL and English bilingualism in the creation of “third spaces.” The Office of Placemaking is dedicated to projects where bridges can be built for a common purpose and shared sense of belonging. 

Using highly collaborative efforts among various departments at Gallaudet University, the Office of Placemaking enables Gallaudet students, staff, and Deaf community members to unite based on their common and differing experiences in order to create productive experiences with one another. 

Such instances of collaboration hosted by the Office of Placemaking include:

• Partnerships with Union Market District, NoMaBid, and other neighbors.
• A healing ceremony developed and organized by Indigenous Deaf people for the Circle of Signers building renaming.
• DeafWay 2025, which will intentionally create a social infrastructure in how visitors can experience Gallaudet University.
• Serving as a hub for local Deaf artists’ referrals to DC/MD/VA projects.