We grow together
Deaf Dome is passionate about improving the lives of Deaf and DeafBlind individuals across the state of Iowa, and that impact includes many areas.
Learn more about what we do!
Founded in 2020
Deaf Dome came about when a group of friends discussed the need for a centralized place that provides advocacy and support for local Deaf and DeafBlind individuals in Iowa. Deaf Dome was incorporated in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fun Fact: the name and sign of Deaf Dome was partly inspired by the Iowa capital's gold dome, the sign for dome, and Wonder Woman's gold cuffs.
Founded in 2020
Deaf Dome came about when a group of friends discussed the need for a centralized place that provides advocacy and support for local Deaf and DeafBlind individuals in Iowa. Deaf Dome was incorporated in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fun Fact: the name and sign of Deaf Dome was partly inspired by the Iowa capital's gold dome, the sign for dome, and Wonder Woman's gold cuffs.
Rapidly growing!
In the years since our establishment, our organization has expanded largely and we are continuing to take steps towards our larger goals!
Deaf Dome was declared a 510(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service in 2023. Deaf Dome was founded and is operated by members of the DHH+ community and their allies in Iowa.
Rapidly growing!
In the years since our establishment, our organization has expanded largely and we are continuing to take steps towards our larger goals!
Deaf Dome was declared a 510(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service in 2023. Deaf Dome was founded and is operated by members of the DHH+ community and their allies in Iowa.
Our Mission
Our guiding statements that we stay true to in all of our work
Our Programs
Simply described and easy to remember when sharing with other folks!
ASL Classes
Learn American Sign Language, explore Deaf culture, and connect with ASL teachers in a fun, inclusive environment.
ASL Classes
Learn American Sign Language, explore Deaf culture, and connect with ASL teachers in a fun, inclusive environment.
Peer Support
Connect with peers through shared experiences, guidance, and meaningful connection.
Peer Support
Connect with peers through shared experiences, guidance, and meaningful connection.
Education
Training and educational programs designed for youth and adults to empower themselves and take next steps in their journeys
Education
Training and educational programs designed for youth and adults to empower themselves and take next steps in their journeys
Advocacy
Personalized support and referrals that match you with what you need, and check-ins to ensure your success
Advocacy
Personalized support and referrals that match you with what you need, and check-ins to ensure your success
Our Board Members
Our Board Members
Our board consists of dedicated community members and leaders across the state of Iowa, committed to positive change.
Our board consists of dedicated community members and leaders across the state of Iowa, committed to positive change.
Gretchen Brown-Waech
Secretary
Central IA
Amanda Miller
Treasurer
North Central IA
amanda@deafdome.org
Telina McKenna-Quintana
Chair
Eastern IA
Demarcus Thomas
Central IA
Holly Shannon
Eastern IA
Gabby Humlicek
North Central IA
outreach@deafdome.org
Sylvia Townsend
Central IA
You?
If interested, please reach out to outreach@deafdome.org
Values
These are our guiding principles that we work from. Everything Deaf Dome does should grow from these roots.
Deaf Dome strives to:
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Understand Impact vs. Intent
Our actions have an impact on others. Our intent matters; the way our actions impact others matters more.
Understand Impact vs. Intent
Our actions have an impact on others. Our intent matters; the way our actions impact others matters more.
Create Language Justice
We work towards a space where everyone can use the language they are most comfortable with, de-centering the language that is imposed on us.
Create Language Justice
We work towards a space where everyone can use the language they are most comfortable with, de-centering the language that is imposed on us.
See the Whole Person - Humanity Above All
People are complex. Understanding that we are all human, all make mistakes, and all deserve grace allows us to avoid categorizing people as "good" or "bad".
See the Whole Person - Humanity Above All
People are complex. Understanding that we are all human, all make mistakes, and all deserve grace allows us to avoid categorizing people as "good" or "bad".
Focus on Disability Justice
We center the experiences of people with disabilities because we recognize that when we acknowledge that all bodies have strengths and needs that must be met, we begin to understand that none should be valued over others.
Focus on Disability Justice
We center the experiences of people with disabilities because we recognize that when we acknowledge that all bodies have strengths and needs that must be met, we begin to understand that none should be valued over others.
Prioritize Adaptability
A desire to provide equitable support leads us to see that not everyone accesses and processes information the same way. Being able to adapt the way we do things in the moment means we include and involve more people.
Prioritize Adaptability
A desire to provide equitable support leads us to see that not everyone accesses and processes information the same way. Being able to adapt the way we do things in the moment means we include and involve more people.
Integrate Cultural Humility
We see that no one can be "competent" in anyone else's culture. We operate from a place of curiosity, asking questions rather than making assumptions. We work to uproot our assumptions about the "right" way to do things, and look for wisdom in unexpected places.
Integrate Cultural Humility
We see that no one can be "competent" in anyone else's culture. We operate from a place of curiosity, asking questions rather than making assumptions. We work to uproot our assumptions about the "right" way to do things, and look for wisdom in unexpected places.
Foster an Anti-Oppression Mindset
We see that all oppressions are connected. When we highlight different systems of oppression, identify where we may have power or privilege (as well as where we experience oppression), and work to balance our approach - everyone benefits.
Foster an Anti-Oppression Mindset
We see that all oppressions are connected. When we highlight different systems of oppression, identify where we may have power or privilege (as well as where we experience oppression), and work to balance our approach - everyone benefits.
Practice Good Faith Communication
When questions are asked in good faith, we answer if we can. We share all relevant information so others can make informed decisions. We encourage each other to ask questions instead of making assumptions.
Practice Good Faith Communication
When questions are asked in good faith, we answer if we can. We share all relevant information so others can make informed decisions. We encourage each other to ask questions instead of making assumptions.
Strive for Rest, Affirmation, and Restoration
In supporting each other in establishing boundaries, we prioritize self-care over achievement, affirmation over judgment, and restorative practice over punishment.
Strive for Rest, Affirmation, and Restoration
In supporting each other in establishing boundaries, we prioritize self-care over achievement, affirmation over judgment, and restorative practice over punishment.
Demonstrate Respect
Respect is highly individual. It is important to ask people how they want to be treated, rather than treat others how you wish to be treated. As a parallel value, being able to set boundaries for ourselves models respect for self. We recognize that each person has many roles and responsibilities in their lives, and we support each other in establishing boundaries that allow for health, wellness, and balance.
Demonstrate Respect
Respect is highly individual. It is important to ask people how they want to be treated, rather than treat others how you wish to be treated. As a parallel value, being able to set boundaries for ourselves models respect for self. We recognize that each person has many roles and responsibilities in their lives, and we support each other in establishing boundaries that allow for health, wellness, and balance.
Commit to Harm Reduction & Repair
Harm reduction refers to a framwork that honors people's autonomy and the value of their lived experience. It requires that we suspend judgment and care for the human in front of us. This means not applying our own values -or society's - to others. Autonomy is the foundation of advocacy; we cannot effectively advocate alongside people whose choices we have taken away. Integrating harm reduction principles also requires that, if harm is done, any outcomes must not be punitive or revenge-based. Instead, the focus must be on repairing/restoring the relationship in whatever way best fits. This allows space for transformation and healing for individuals and communities.
Commit to Harm Reduction & Repair
Harm reduction refers to a framwork that honors people's autonomy and the value of their lived experience. It requires that we suspend judgment and care for the human in front of us. This means not applying our own values -or society's - to others. Autonomy is the foundation of advocacy; we cannot effectively advocate alongside people whose choices we have taken away. Integrating harm reduction principles also requires that, if harm is done, any outcomes must not be punitive or revenge-based. Instead, the focus must be on repairing/restoring the relationship in whatever way best fits. This allows space for transformation and healing for individuals and communities.
Building Bridges,
Connecting Community.
© 2026 Deaf Dome. All rights reserved. - info@deafdome.org
Website designed and developed by Ta-Da Studios
Building Bridges,
Connecting Community.
© 2026 Deaf Dome. All rights reserved. - info@deafdome.org
Website designed and developed by Ta-Da Studios
Building Bridges,
Connecting Community.
© 2026 Deaf Dome. All rights reserved. - info@deafdome.org
Website designed and developed
by Ta-Da Studios
Building Bridges,
Connecting Community.
© 2026 Deaf Dome. All rights reserved. - info@deafdome.org
Website designed and developed
by Ta-Da Studios