Imagine! Bridges to Boulder Community Sign Language Project was developed in 2005 through a grant funded by the Colorado Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing plus matching funds from Imagine!. The Boulder Public Library sponsors the program and provides meeting room space at no cost.

Imagine! consumer Cathy Rich (below) was instrumental in developing this program and it was  through her inspiration and determination that the program came to fruition.  The program was designed by Peter DeHaas, an American Sign Language instructor who has been working for Imagine! for 14 years. During this time, he has recognized the unique communication needs of those with developmental disabilities and deafness as well as the Imagine! staff that support them. He also saw an opportunity to educate the community and foster awareness around people with developmental disabilities. In doing so, the concept of bridging between the two communities evolved. DeHaas’ passion drove him to create a program that embodies and exemplifies the core of Imagine!’s mission, which is to provide tools and supports that allow people with developmental disabilities to become active members of their community and contributing citizens. The program breaks down barriers and allows members of the community at large to experience first hand many significant contributions from people with developmental disabilities.

The premise of this program is to create a mutually beneficial educational setting that facilitates a natural signing and mentoring environment between participants from the larger Boulder County communities, Imagine!’s consumer base, and Imagine!’s pool of employees. Individuals with developmental disabilities are active participants in these classes and are integral in assisting with the instruction of sign language. This bolsters their self-esteem and gives them a sense of pride.

The Bridges to Boulder sign language classes give consumers and staff signs they need to function in day to day situations and individuals from the community the fundamental signing skills they need to then go take credited sign classes with members of the deaf community.

The program is currently aligning with other community based peer groups in Boulder County to broaden and strengthen its grassroots network of participants.

To date, Imagine! Bridges to Boulder has served over 200 community members from Boulder County and over 100 Imagine! employees and consumers.

Instructor Peter DeHaas has studied ASL and Deaf Culture with countless deaf instructors through Life Long Learning, Center On Deafness, Front Range Community College, University of Colorado, and Western Oregon University. He is currently pursuing his MA in Linguistics with his emphasis being in ASL.