Portland Cafe Bridges Communities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing

In Southeast Portland, a unique café is transforming the landscape for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. The Woodstock Cafe, which opened over a year ago, serves as a welcoming hub where American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary mode of communication. This initiative is part of a broader mission by CymaSpace, a local nonprofit dedicated to making art and community accessible for individuals who are Deaf.

Upon entering the café, visitors are greeted by windows adorned with flyers promoting local events. Inside, the atmosphere is calm and music-free, designed to foster communication without auditory distractions. Employees are fluent in ASL, allowing for seamless interactions. For those who do not use sign language, a microphone system transcribes spoken requests onto a screen, enabling effective communication with staff.

The café offers more than just coffee and pastries; it hosts various community events that encourage socialization and connection. Among these are Sign Squad on Tuesdays and ASL Game Night on Thursdays, along with other gatherings aimed at fostering friendships. Many individuals have relocated from different parts of the country to work at Woodstock, highlighting the café’s significance as a stable and supportive environment for those who are Deaf or hard of hearing.

Andre Gray, a key figure behind the café, emphasizes its role as a safe space for the community. He notes that finding employment can be particularly challenging for Deaf individuals, making the café a vital resource. “It’s their rock,” he expressed in sign language, later interpreted.

During a recent visit to Sign Squad, the diversity of attendees was striking. People of varying hearing abilities came together, including Amy Wachspress, who began learning sign language nine years ago after experiencing hearing loss. She now identifies as hard of hearing and has found a sense of belonging within the group. “There’s so many different people that come. It’s so eclectic,” she shared, highlighting the bond formed through shared communication experiences.

Wachspress recalled a particularly touching encounter with a Deaf toddler who was excited to connect with others using sign language. “He was just so beside himself excited when he realized that you could communicate with people using sign,” she recounted, illustrating the profound impact of the café on individuals learning to navigate their identities.

Among the newer attendees was Zach Salisbury, who has Usher Syndrome, a genetic condition leading to progressive hearing and vision loss. With a cochlear implant, he sought connections with others facing similar challenges. Discovering the café was a turning point for him. “It was the only thing of the sort in Portland I could find,” he noted, emphasizing its unique role in bridging different communities.

The Woodstock Cafe is not only a place for those who are Deaf but also a space that welcomes people of all hearing abilities. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of its mission, fostering an environment where mistakes in communication are met with understanding and encouragement.

Gray’s vision extends beyond the café. He aims to establish a Deaf Equity Center in adjacent vacant buildings, though funding challenges have arisen following a change in the presidential administration. “We need all your support, but we will try our best to find different financial solutions, but we won’t give up,” he signed, expressing determination despite the obstacles.

The café continues to thrive as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. As Gray aptly states, “It gives power to the community as opposed to a fear of signing. We, as a community, are so proud of who we are.”

For those interested in visiting, the Woodstock Cafe is located at 4103 S.E. Woodstock Blvd., Portland, OR 97202, and operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.