Mural

West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services Community Mural Project!

The Deaf Services Community Mural Project in West Hartford was created to honor the history, culture, and communication diversity of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing residents across Connecticut. The mural celebrates communication access in all its forms, including American Sign Language, tactile ASL, hearing technology, and the many ways children and adults express themselves in daily life. It also reflects the long legacy of Deaf education through the image of Laurent Clerc and the lived experiences of students in West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services.

This project grew from a shared belief that every person deserves to be seen, represented, and welcomed in public spaces. The West Hartford Public Schools Deaf Services Team works with more than 80 Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, some of whom contributed their perspectives. The community partners, educators, families, and local organizations helped shape a piece of art that reflects belonging and accessibility. The muralist, Michael Rice, worked closely with community members to ensure the artwork is authentic, meaningful, and grounded in lived experience.

The mural is only the beginning. We are actively fundraising to create a fully tactile replica of the artwork so DeafBlind and blind community members can explore the mural through touch. This next phase will make the installation one of the only completely accessible public art pieces in the country dedicated to communication access for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing people.

Our goal is simple. Public art should be for everyone. With continued community support, we will complete a tactile component that ensures every visitor can experience the story, history, and pride represented in this mural.