April 14, 2023

The DHC took a day trip to the only Deaf university in America, Gallaudet University in Washington, DC! Before our guided tour around the campus, DHC members were able to head to the signing starbucks to practice their signing skills and, for some members, to have their first experience in a complete Deaf environment. Then, after some free time where students could grab a bite to eat, everyone grouped back together for the tour. The tour was presented in ASL by a student at GU, with an GU student interpreter to provide complete communication. On the tour, we heard the story of how ASL and deaf education began in America, as well as some of the history of the buildings and student traditions that have continued from the very start of the school. Additionally, our tour guide explained how certain buildings and each classroom is designed with deafness in mind; like having U-shaped classroom arrangements, more open hallways and stairwells to enable communication with someone next to you, and more natural lighting to not strain people's eyes as much. Then, we stopped at the gift shop and made our way back to campus.