Mission
Bridges Oregon, Inc. is a nonprofit organization serving Oregonians who are Deaf, DeafBlind, or Hard of Hearing. It is in our mission to facilitate equity and inclusiveness and to provide a bridge to opportunities through advocacy, education and communication.
Value
Bridges Oregon realizes equality, inclusiveness, and justice for all Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people in the State of Oregon.
By, Of, With, and For Deaf*
Bridges Oregon is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created by Deaf individuals. Bridges Oregon provides high-quality services to enable the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing to freely interact with mainstream society. 100% of all net proceeds go to programs designed to promote awareness of issues related to Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities.
The communities served by Bridges Oregon share some common experiences, but they are remarkably diverse. Some individuals embrace their identity as part of a unique cultural and linguistic group, using sign language as their primary mode of communication, while others may not. Our communities encompass a broad range of communication preferences, cultural identities, ethnic backgrounds, and intersecting disabilities, each shaping how individuals navigate their world. At Bridges Oregon, we use the term ‘deaf‘ inclusively, recognizing and honoring those who identify as deaf, DeafBlind, deafdisabled, hard of hearing, late-deafened, or with other hearing differences. We understand that identity is personal and dynamic, evolving with time and context. By using an inclusive term, we aim to celebrate both the shared experiences and unique perspectives of the people we serve.