Clerc Center | Breaking Barriers for Deaf and Hard of Hearing children
If you’ve noticed that I’ve been quiet lately, it’s because I’ve been deeply involved in developing the Clerc Center website. Not only was I working on the website, but I also transitioned from my role as a graphic designer to Manager of Website and Design within this timeframe. This project required extensive collaboration with consultants and team members over many weeks. I’m excited to finally share the outcome.
As a growing web designer dedicated to inclusive design, I am constantly inspired by institutions that prioritize accessibility and education. One such institution is the Clerc Center at Gallaudet University. This exceptional resource is committed to enhancing educational outcomes for deaf and hard of hearing children. Having had the privilege of building and creating the pages for the Clerc Center’s website—an experience that holds special significance for me as an alumnus—this project perfectly aligns with my passion for breaking digital barriers and ensuring an inclusive online experience for all.
Designing for Accessibility
The Clerc Center is dedicated to providing accessible and enriching learning experiences. They conduct research, train professionals, and model best practices in educating deaf and hard of hearing students from birth to age 21. This comprehensive approach supports families, educators, healthcare professionals, and state leaders, ensuring that the needs of these students are met effectively.
In designing the Clerc Center’s website, my goal was to reflect these principles of accessibility and inclusivity. The website was crafted to be more than just functional—it was designed to be engaging and intuitive for all users. Key features included:
- Compatibility with Assistive Technologies: Ensuring the site works seamlessly with screen readers and other assistive tools.
- User-Friendly Navigation: Creating an intuitive layout that allows users to find information quickly and easily.
- Interactive Elements: Incorporating engaging features that cater to diverse learning styles and preferences.
Moving Forward: Breaking Barriers
Designing with accessibility at the forefront isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential. Just as the Clerc Center is dedicated to helping students reach their full potential, the website I developed ensures that every user, regardless of ability, can navigate and engage with the content effortlessly.
We are also committed to continuously improving the accessibility of our website as we grow, focusing on enhancing our digital presence to meet the evolving needs of our users. Our work environment is dynamic and ever-evolving, and we are constantly adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the world of web design.
In addition to our website initiatives, we’re also rebranding the Clerc Center. I’ve been directly involved in shaping the new visual identity and our logo’s direction through a bilingual process that embraces both English and American Sign Language (ASL), ensuring our brand reflects the inclusivity and diversity of our community.
As we continue to refine our digital platform, we are looking for a new team member to join us in leading the next phase of our website and design projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a meaningful initiative and grow within a forward-thinking team that prioritizes innovation and inclusivity.
It’s important to note that the website launch was just the beginning. We’re now entering the second phase of improvements to further elevate the user experience after the first week of launch. This ongoing development underscores our commitment to providing the best possible digital experience.
To learn more about the impactful work of the Clerc Center and how you can support their mission, visit the Clerc Center website—a project I’m proud to have contributed to.
Bzz.
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