You’re in a brightly-lit, open-space community center. There are areas where Deaf people share their hobbies, interests, talents, skills, and knowledge with Deaf and hearing audiences. There are spaces for performances, collaborative art projects, classes, and exhibitions. There are spaces where Deaf people can both access and provide skilled services in their language. The collective efforts of this organization have created a city-community where Deaf needs are met, and where hearing people appreciate Deaf language and culture.
About SignBridge
This organization connects Deaf and hearing communities through:
Combating Language Deprivation: Providing sign language instruction to Deaf children and their families, provided by fluent Deaf sign-language users (with support from trained educators when needed), thereby reducing language deprivation.
Workshops and classes: Providing a platform through which Deaf adults will be paid to share their skills and interests with Deaf and hearing audiences/learners by leading workshops, teaching classes, and representing the Deaf community in local festivals and other events.
Consulting Services: Providing Deaf consulting services for businesses who would like to learn how to be more accommodating to their Deaf employees, customers, clients, and/or patrons, making the community vastly more Deaf-friendly.
Deaf perspectives and Deaf needs are prioritized within the objectives of the organization. If you are interested in getting involved, please fill out the form here. Please also share the link to other people who might be interested.
Strategic Plan
Vision
A community where those at the intersection between Deaf and hearing cultures can be valued and celebrated, and where inclusion and accessible communication are prioritized to allow connections to form and relationships to flourish between hearing and D/deaf individuals.
Mission
To build bridges and close the gap between the deaf and hearing worlds through initiatives to promote language access, foster understanding and appreciation of Deaf culture, and advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
just a seed of an idea…
Goal 1:
Promote Accessibility of Sign Language and Combat Language Deprivation
Objective 1.1: Provide sign language instructional support by Deaf instructors to D/HH children and their families.
Objective 1.2: Offer sign language classes taught by Deaf instructors to diverse audiences including neurodivergent people, laryngectomees, and other interested community members.
Objective 1.3: Provide accessible educational, creative, and cultural learning opportunities for Deaf children and adults
Goal 2:
Foster Community Engagement and Cultural Understanding
Objective 2.1: Host cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions that showcase Deaf talents and contributions, and educate hearing people on Deaf etiquette such as how to correctly interact with a Deaf person through an interpreter.
Objective 2.2: Provide consulting services to local businesses on creating Deaf-friendly environments and ADA compliance.
Objective 2.3: Establish a community center as a hub for social gatherings, educational sessions, and skill-sharing activities.
Objective 2.4: Develop online resources and virtual programs (e.g., ASL learning videos, virtual workshops) to reach broader audiences and overcome physical barriers.
Objective 2.5: Partner with local organizations (e.g., DEAF Inc., MCDHH) to maximize impact and resources for the Deaf community.
Goal 3:
Ensure Sustainability and Growth
Objective 3.1: Develop a diversified funding strategy including grants, donations, fees for consultation services, and revenue from a future café or other enterprise
Objective 3.2: Build a strong volunteer and donor base through effective outreach, engagement, and recognition programs.
Objective 3.3: Establish robust financial management practices and operational efficiencies to ensure long-term sustainability.
Phase 1: Building the Foundation
Complete incorporation and obtain 501(c)(3) status.
Recruit and onboard board members and key staff.
Develop and launch initial cultural workshops.
Launch outreach efforts to increase participation and community support.
Explore funding avenues and build financial strategy
Phase 2: Sustainability and Expansion
Evaluate program effectiveness and impact; adjust strategies as needed.
Develop and launch initial sign language classes and mentorship program
Launch additional educational and recreational programs.
Collaborate with other local organizations to extend reach
Phase 3: Establish partnerships with local businesses for consulting services
Continue to evaluate program effectiveness and impact; adjust strategies as needed.
Implement virtual programs and resources to enhance accessibility.
Explore opportunities for growth, such as additional community partnerships.
Set up deaf job fairs and employment opportunities
Phase 4: Community Center Development
Continue to evaluate program effectiveness and impact; adjust strategies as needed.
Secure funding and locate a suitable space for the community center.
Expand programs and services to include accessible critical resources provided by and/or for Deaf individuals. May include:
- Social Work
- Addiction recovery services
- Employment Services
- Financial Services
- Legal Services
- Educational Advocacy
- Medical Advocacy
- Transportation Services
- Parenting classes
- Criminal Justice Advocacy
Phase 5: Expand and Replicate in other Cities and States
