Deaf Space & Disability Justice
Designing with the lived experience of the disability community—for the benefit of all
One in four people live with a permanent disability, and many more will experience disability at some point in their lives. While the Americans with Disabilities Act ushered in an era of physical accessibility, it only imagined the bare minimum of inclusion. Access is not only inhibited by physical or technological barriers—it is shaped by communication, autonomy, safety, and a sense of belonging. Communities of deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, and people facing mental health challenges continue to encounter spaces that fail to meet their needs or reflect their experiences.
Gallaudet University Campus, Washington, D.C.
Each of us carries layered identities—including diverse physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental abilities.
Rather than designing around perceived deficits, we are inspired by human capacities. By working alongside Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, and mental health communities, we reimagine rich, multisensory environments that foster dignity, connection, and true belonging—for everyone.
Garrett’s Space, Ann Arbor, MI
We design spaces that honor the lived experience of Disability and support three core aspects of the disability experience: Care, Opportunity, and Belonging.
We work across healthcare, educational, and cultural settings in order to ensure that our sensorial, emotional, and cultural needs are met with dignity, creativity, and care.
Case Study: Garrett’s Space
Depression is a disabling condition that can impair a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, and participate in daily life—yet it is rarely treated with the urgency or support systems afforded to other disabilities. Despite meeting the criteria for disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Social Security Administration, depression remains stigmatized and underserved, contributing to a 35% rise in suicide over the past two decades and making it the second leading cause of death for people ages 15–34. Current treatment models often overlook the environmental and social factors essential to sustained recovery.
Garrett’s Space addresses this urgent gap by creating a residential retreat specifically designed for young adults navigating mental health challenges. The campus applies trauma-informed design principles to foster safety, autonomy, and connection—grouping guest rooms into pods with shared porches to encourage trust and community. Private rooms are customizable, offering views of nature and personal control over environment, reinforcing dignity and comfort.
The site’s layout centers on social and spatial connection, with a courtyard at its heart, and includes flexible common areas that allow for both gathering and solitude. Outdoor elements such as gardens, hiking trails, and quiet zones promote therapeutic engagement with nature. By integrating design with wellness practices, Garrett’s Space creates a replicable model for mental health retreats that nurture resilience, reduce stigma, and reframe depression as a disability deserving of intentional, supportive environments.
