Like one who rescues animals, I rescue websites! I adopted this project back in 2018 when it was set to be permanently closed, and gave myself goals to improve it:
- Rebuild a new website, keeping the old data.
- Redesign the logo.
- Reach out to 150+ participants via email to request their updated event information.
- Set up a mailing list.
- Revitalize the social media.
Deaf people living in a hearing world often find themselves starved for communicating and expressing themselves in their native sign language. Reviving the strong tradition of community Deaf Chats in an increasingly digital age, DeafCoffee.com is a directory that shows places in the USA where deaf people and students of ASL (American Sign Language) can meet and socialize.
DeafCoffee.com’s owners started the website in 2003. By 2018, they all became busy with their lives and reluctantly decided to close the website permanently. A friend brought my attention to this, and I offered to take over. After a videophone conversation, the ownership was transferred over to me.
When I undertook the project, I completely redesigned the website, transferring data from the old site. Additionally, I revamped our social media presence and sent out ‘re-launching’ emails to inform over 150 participants about the update, also requesting their latest local event information.
The updated website with its routine reminders to hosts to keep their local events information updated and current, has continued to grow.
Now, with the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020, Deaf Coffee has seen Deaf Chats via Zoom increasing, and DeafCoffee.com’s Facebook group has gained over a thousand new followers.
Contact me if you have a website that needs rescuing!
