From 2014 to 2017 I spent significant time on-campus with the Gallaudet University community. It was an extraordinary professional and personal experience that continues to have a lasting impact on my life – and it profoundly shaped my perspectives on inclusion.
In 2014 Bridge Partners was chosen to support the Board of Trustees in their selection of the 11th President of Gallaudet University. The outcome of a prior Presidential search process, in 1988, had given birth to Deaf President Now (DPN), which many see as playing a role in catalyzing the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This time, as the result of the Presidential Search Committee’s unwavering commitment to a purposeful, inclusive search process, Dr. Roberta “Bobbi” Cordano, was appointed in late 2015 – a deaf leader and Gallaudet’s first female President.
It was a highlight of my professional career and I was thrilled to be invited back again, in 2017, to support the University in their VP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion search. But my Gallaudet University experience went far, far beyond professional.
As a white, hearing, straight, educated woman, with my own steady income, today I have a grasp on the astonishing level of privilege that I move through this world with. However, much of my learning process began by being embraced by a Gallaudet community to whom I was a newcomer. The individuals I partnered with didn’t know me, yet took the time to guide me through their world. When I made crass mistakes, they were kind enough to show me a better way. I was in the minority, yet had guides and supporters who were invested in my success.
I came to the Gallaudet campus not knowing a single phrase in ASL – and I left still very lacking but with an awe for the range of languages, both spoken and signed by its American and international deaf and hard-of-hearing students, faculty and administration. I spoke only one of them, yet they provided me with a translator.
I learned of the death of a good friend and mentor one evening while on-campus at Gallaudet. The next morning, probably looking like a zombie, I received nothing but kindness and empathy. I was embraced, both physically and metaphorically.
I sat in a room with hundreds of students and Gallaudet community members and saw deeply heartfelt applause. To me, the room was relatively quiet. In that moment, I was technically an outsider yet was never, for one second, made to feel like one.
I experienced nothing but kindness and patience. I had many guides to show the me the rules and norms – those that were clear and those that were not. I had a community that was invested in my ability to successfully navigate their culture and didn’t judge me when I made mistakes. I literally had a translator every single time I was on campus, for every hour of my waking day. My voice was valued for the experience I brought to the table.
I was included. I learned what inclusion looks like.
This weekend I binge-watched DEAF U, having counted down the days until its release. Quite aside from being addictively compelling, complex TV, it made me remember. I’m not sure I ever really thanked the Gallaudet community and the individuals I came to know for including me – but I’m forever in your debt.
