Woodstock Cafe: A Hub for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Woodstock Cafe, located in Southeast Portland, Oregon, has emerged as a vital gathering place for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Opened over a year ago by Andre Gray and operated by CymaSpace, a nonprofit dedicated to making art accessible to the Deaf community, the cafe primarily uses American Sign Language (ASL) for communication. Non-ASL speakers can place orders through a microphone that transcribes their requests onto a screen, fostering an inclusive environment for all patrons.

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The cafe not only serves coffee and pastries but also hosts various community events, including weekly meetups like Sign Squad on Tuesdays and ASL game nights. These gatherings have attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals learning sign language. The cafe has become a stable employment opportunity for many Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, who often face challenges in the job market.

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The Sign Squad, a popular weekly meetup, has seen increased attendance since relocating to Woodstock Cafe. Participants, such as Amy Wachspress and Zach Salisbury, have expressed the importance of this space in fostering connections among individuals with varying degrees of hearing. Wachspress, who has been hard of hearing for several years, noted that the cafe has become a resource for building friendships and community. Salisbury, who has Usher Syndrome, emphasized the cafe's unique mission of bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Oregonian

Despite its success, Woodstock Cafe faces challenges, particularly in securing funding for future projects. Gray mentioned plans to acquire adjacent vacant buildings to establish a Deaf Equity Center, but funding cuts following a change in presidential administration have hindered these efforts. The cafe's team is actively seeking support from private organizations and plans to launch a crowdsourcing campaign to sustain their initiatives.

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Andre Gray expressed the significance of the cafe, stating, “It gives power to the community as opposed to a fear of signing. We, as a community, are so proud of who we are.” He emphasized the importance of community support in overcoming obstacles and maintaining the cafe's mission.

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• “So the café becomes their stable place. It’s their rock” — Andre Gray, Co-founder of Woodstock Cafe

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• “And so they’ve turned into a really good resource for the community,” — Amy Wachspress, Sign Squad Host

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• “And so that’s why Woodstock Cafe is so different from other places or Deaf communities, is because it specifically has a mission of bridging that gap of two different communities.” — Zach Salisbury, Sign Squad Attendee

Oregonian

Woodstock Cafe stands as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in Portland. Through its commitment to inclusivity and support, the cafe not only provides a space for social interaction but also empowers individuals to embrace their identities. As the cafe navigates funding challenges, its community remains hopeful for a future that continues to foster connection and understanding among all.

Oregonian