West Virginia is famous for its bridges. But for many Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and disabled people across Appalachia, especially in rural and underserved communities, the bridges to access are missing, neglected, or need stronger structures and support to cross.

DREAMWAVE was created to build new ones and help restore the rest.

We are a Deaf-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in West Virginia, providing navigation, advocacy, and access services for underserved communities across Appalachia. Originally founded in 2017 as the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance (EPDA), it was rebranded as DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance in 2025.

We connect with individuals in person, online, by video phone, and through Zoom to share resources and connect them to the services they need. We provide referrals across disability, interpreting, and community services. We offer community workshops that bring education and access directly to where people are. Through HANDWAVE, our interpreting services arm, we provide interpreter support and access for our communities.

Deaf and disability services are underfunded. Interpreter access is scarce. In rural Appalachia, the gaps run deep. We work every day to bridge them.

Join us at our upcoming Deaf Expo on September 18, 2026 at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg, West Virginia. For future events, workshops, and updates visit us at www.dreamwaveadvocates.org.

My name is Julie Ann Lewis Shoeman and I am a Deaf West Virginian and the Founder and Executive Director of DREAMWAVE. Our board and team reflect the communities we serve. At least 51% of our board members are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind, and we are proud to include hearing allies who are committed to our mission. This work is not just professional for us. It is truly personal.

Every gift from you adds another plank or section to our bridge across communities. And every Bridge Builder who joins us makes it possible to keep going.

With gratitude,
The DREAMWAVE Team

Bridge Builders Fund