The Story
Founded in 1864, Gallaudet University is the world's only university that offers all programs and services specifically designed to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing students. The Sorenson Language and Communication Center is a unique facility that provides an inclusive learning environment completely compatible with the "Deaf Way of Being."
The entire building was designed to accommodate the needs of the deaf community, which is why a visu–centric concept was developed for these rooms. The term visu–centric describes the approach that drives the building's look and feel—a place of openness and curves, of natural light and earth colors. Hassle–free visual communication is assured by the center's unobstructed sight lines, the absence of pillars and sharp corners, and the generous use of glass. Eye–friendly and “smart" technology is ubiquitous throughout the building. Even ambient sensations that the hearing impaired find distracting—vibrations from heating and air conditioning units and certain colors and patterns—have been eliminated.
The classrooms, collaboration rooms, labs, atrium, and assistive devices center spaces feature:
- 3,000–, 5,500– or 10,000–lumen projectors
- LCDs ranging from 20” to 65”
- DVD/VCR combos for playback or recording
- Touch panel systems ranging in size from 5.7” to 17” for control of room technology functions from a teacher’s console
- Consoles for laptops, cameras and auxiliary sources
- Interactive digital wall signage and wall–mounted TVs with a range of 40” to 52” LCDs
- Interactive touch screen overlays along with a customized application written by Gallaudet for students, staff and visitors to use in getting directions to various areas on campus.
