If you can’t make a correlation between a golf tournament and a domestic/sexual violence help center, you’ve probably never heard of Deaf Hope – or haven’t been following DeafNation website since its’ website launched.

There was only one thing our driver Shawn Shannon’s heart desired to do before our seven-week jaunt across the United States was over: take a dip in a hot springs.

As the DeafNation RV splashed through the puddles in the Starbucks parking lot, we pulled up to see Deaf Women of Oregon and Washington (DWOW) President Kim Clemenhagen get out of her car.

Viable co-workers and the DeafNation crew reunited in Seattle, Washington — and set out to explore every minute we could! After all, why sleep in Seattle when there’s so much to do?

“We’re going to Mount Rushmore!,” Erica squealed. It was nearly 9:00 at night, and Shawn was weaving our RV through the curvy roads to meet the famous faces: the first President of the United States George Washington…

“The word ‘racing’…..equal to ‘happiness’!” Viable truck driver Darryl signed firmly, as if the concept was law and not to be argued with. The rest of the DeafNation crew stole glances at each other, grinning at Darryl’s overly-enthusiastic fondness for anything on wheels.

As I mentioned in previous posts, I’ve never had the Deaf experience growing up. I was raised oral, placed in an oral program until I entered middle school, and any signing skills I acquired was strictly through recess…

I tugged at my sweater zipper, pulling it higher to block the nippy South Dakota air. With the weather looming at a chilly 45 degrees, it was apparent autumn was coming to a close as I walked toward the main building of the Communication Services for the Deaf.

After touring the Nebraska School for the Deaf Museum, we headed to Iowa School for the Deaf. Yes, the DeafNation crew crossed into another state to visit our second institute of the day…

In light of the situation at Louisiana School for the Deaf, it is becoming increasingly important to preserve our Deaf institutes. Often serving as the building-bricks of a Deaf child’s security and identity…