West Hartford Mural to Highlight Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community

The Noah Webster Library will display a new mural celebrating inclusivity and communication access.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Noah Webster Library in West Hartford, Connecticut is commissioning a new mural that will highlight the city's deaf and hard-of-hearing community. The mural, set to be completed by early summer, aims to promote unity, equality, and communication access for those with hearing disabilities. The project has received support from local advocates like Luke Nowakowski, a teacher for the deaf, and Luisa Gasco Soboleski, president of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf.

Why it matters

This mural represents an important step towards greater inclusion and representation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in West Hartford. By featuring their stories and experiences prominently on the library's walls, the city is sending a powerful message about the value of accessibility and diversity.

The details

The mural will be painted on the exterior walls of the Noah Webster Library in Blue Back Square. It is being designed by artist Michael Rice, who has worked extensively with local schools. Students at the nearby Charter Oak International Academy are also contributing drawings that could inspire the final artwork. The goal is to create a mural that authentically reflects the deaf and hard-of-hearing experience and highlights the importance of communication access.

  • The mural is scheduled to be completed and installed by early summer 2026.

The players

Luke Nowakowski

A teacher for the deaf and hard-of-hearing with West Hartford public schools who is excited about the mural project.

Luisa Gasco Soboleski

The president of the Connecticut Association of the Deaf, who has been advocating for communication access and deaf rights for many years.

Michael Rice

The artist commissioned to design and paint the mural, who has done previous work with local schools.

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What they’re saying

“It's so awesome.”

— Luisa Gasco Soboleski, President, Connecticut Association of the Deaf

“This project wants to make sure that we are heard, that we are treated as equal, that our community is highlighted, and our needs are respected.”

— Luisa Gasco Soboleski, President, Connecticut Association of the Deaf

“So, we're going to be going back and forth and making sure that we tell the right story with this one.”

— Michael Rice, Mural Artist

What’s next

The mural is scheduled to be installed on the exterior walls of the Noah Webster Library in West Hartford sometime in May 2026.

The takeaway

This mural project represents an important step towards greater inclusion and representation for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in West Hartford. By highlighting their stories and experiences, the city is sending a powerful message about the value of accessibility and diversity.