DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance
Moving Advocacy Forward

A Deaf-led nonprofit serving Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing communities across West Virginia.

Visit the SHINE NETWORK for West Virginia  (Resources)

Mission

DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance, Inc. advances access, equity, and community inclusion for Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, late-deafened, and disabled individuals across West Virginia. Through advocacy, communication access, resource navigation, education, and community partnerships, the organization works to reduce barriers, strengthen accessibility, and support individuals and families in navigating services and opportunities needed for full participation in community life. DREAMWAVE also promotes collaboration and workforce development within the interpreting community to expand communication access statewide.

History

The work that led to DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance (DREAMWAVE) began with the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance (EPDA), a community-driven effort founded in 2017 by four original founders to support Deaf, DeafBlind(DB), Hard of Hearing (HOH), and late-deafened individuals in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. EPDA focused on advocacy, referrals, and community connection, helping individuals navigate communication barriers and access essential services in a region where Deaf resources were limited.

Through advocacy efforts, community gatherings, and collaboration with local agencies, EPDA helped raise awareness of communication access needs and built important relationships within the region. Over time, community members increasingly turned to EPDA for guidance on accessing interpreters, navigating services, and addressing barriers in healthcare, housing, and other systems.

In 2025, EPDA concluded operations as part of an organizational transition. To expand services and establish stronger long-term infrastructure for advocacy and communication access, DREAMWAVE was established as a new nonprofit organization and received IRS 501(c)(3) status on October 10, 2025.

One of EPDA’s original founders, Mary Ann Jividen, continues to support this work through DREAMWAVE as Co-Vice President and as a consultant, providing continuity, historical knowledge, and guidance as the organization expands its programs and services.

DREAMWAVE builds upon the relationships, experience, and community trust developed through EPDA while expanding its mission to strengthen communication access, advocacy, and community support.

Early Media Coverage

2024- Town hall draws attention to issues for deaf community

2024- Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliances’ holds town hall meeting

2019-  Deaf Alliance brings hope to region's hearing impaired

2017-  EPDA sets out to help deaf population

Logos

History

After the Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance (EPDA) closed in December 2024, Mary Ann Jividen and Julie Ann Shoeman connected in February 2025 to discuss how advocacy and community engagement could continue in the region.

During those conversations, Julie Ann agreed to step forward as President of EPDA with the goal of reactivating the organization and rebuilding community momentum.

To begin that effort, a community meeting was held on August 22, 2025, to introduce Julie Ann Shoeman as the new President of EPDA and to discuss the future direction of advocacy efforts in the region. During the meeting, participants discussed the advantages and challenges of continuing under the EPDA name and existing structure.

After considering the options, the group reached a general consensus that establishing a new organization with a broader statewide vision would better reflect the future direction of the work. Several potential names were discussed, and participants ultimately voted to adopt the name DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance, Inc., a name proposed by Julie Ann Shoeman. The word Alliance was intentionally retained to honor the legacy of EPDA and the community foundation it created.

At a subsequent meeting on October 3, 2025, Julie Ann presented the original DREAMWAVE logo design, which included a torch symbol and the DREAMWAVE acronym.

On October 10, 2025, DREAMWAVE Advocates Movement Alliance, Inc. was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, marking the beginning of a new chapter of advocacy, communication access, and community leadership across West Virginia.

DREAMWAVE in the Community

2025- Representation matters

2025 Nonprofit with a new name brings deaf community together in Eastern Panhandle

Current Logos

Plain Language Commitment

We are committed to clear and accessible communication. Whenever possible, we use plain language so information can be easily understood by Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and hearing community members alike.

Plain language means we avoid unnecessary jargon, explain complex topics in straightforward terms, and focus on clarity and transparency. Our goal is to make information about rights, services, and community resources understandable and accessible to everyone.

Accessibility Commitment

DREAMWAVE strives to make information accessible to everyone. Our website uses clear structure and visual accessibility practices to support DeafBlind, Blind, and low-vision community members, including strong color contrast, alt-text, and compatibility with screen readers and braille displays. We believe accessibility should be built into communication from the beginning, not added later.

Because DREAMWAVE is a Deaf-led organization, we are also working to provide video content in American Sign Language (ASL). As the organization grows, additional videos will be added to help ensure information is accessible in both visual and written formats.

Please be patient as we continue updating and improving our website. We welcome feedback.