Established
in 1974, DEAF Media, Inc., is a nonprofit corporation
dedicated to
advocating
for Deaf arts and to
developing cultural, educational, and professional opportunities
for the Deaf community. Through its arts-oriented mission,
DEAF Media promotes the general public’s awareness,
acceptance, and appreciation of Deaf people.
Chuck Baird
We accomplish our mission
with a commitment to excellence through community events,
school projects, television and live theater productions,
and special programs done in partnership with Bay Area
cultural institutions. We also offer broad consultancy
and technical
assistance in the field of deafness, particularly with
regard to the arts and communication.
Our Perspective DEAF Media is proud to have a Deaf majority Board of Directors,
and to draw its leadership primarily from the Deaf community
itself and from recognized scholars in the field of Deaf
Studies. With this firmly grounded Deaf perspective, DEAF
Media serves the community with a clear understanding of
what is most relevant to meet the needs of its audience:
Deaf-centered programming and Deaf-centered access to mainstream
programs and institutions.
Our Impact Though the organization is based in Berkeley and focuses
its services on Northern California, many DEAF Media projects—including
Rainbow’s End and Celebration: Deaf Artists and Performers—have
had national scope and created international impact, bringing
the organization multiple awards for innovation and excellence.
Building bridges, promoting understanding, creating opportunities
for access, and increasing the sense of inclusion exist
at the core of all DEAF Media projects.