The Learning Center for the Deaf (TLC), a national leader in Deaf Education and advocacy, is launching its 55 Anniversary Celebration this week, beginning with the recognition of Deaf Awareness Week.
As recognized by the World Federation for the Deaf, the International Week of Deaf People is celebrated to raise awareness about the Deaf community, language, culture, and history. This year’s theme is ‘No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights’. TLC will be participating in community outreach events and holding a special Founder’s Day celebration on campus to recognize the four individuals who helped to build and shape the organization: Warren Schwab, Maureen O'Donnell, Wayne Farrell (later O’Farrell), and Dermont Keohane.
The organization will host several events in the coming weeks and months, all which will place special emphasis on its 55th Anniversary.
On October 4, TLC will host its annual Homecoming celebration, including vendors, athletic games, and food trucks. This event is open to the general public.
Also in October, the TLC Audiology Clinic will host two open house events for the general public, offering tours, demonstrations, and an opportunity to meet the staff. The Clinic is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Special legislative and donor recognition events are being planned for the fall.
In 2026, TLC looks forward to hosting its 55th Anniversary Gala in April, held at Gillette Stadium. Tickets will be available in October.
Additional events can be found on TLC’s community calendar.
TLC opened in 1970 as The Learning Center for Children building, with the mission and vision to ensure accessible education for deaf students by utilizing sign language in the classroom. Founder Warren Schwab, inspired by his son, envisioned a school for deaf and hard of hearing children grounded in respect and enjoyment, where language and communication were paramount. Warren dedicated personal resources and countless hours to making this dream a reality, engaging teachers, volunteers, donors, and collaborators. This approach was a cultural shift from the traditional ‘oral’ method of instructing students.
Later, with the leadership and support of Marie Jean Philip, TLC became the first school in the country to affirm a bilingual, bicultural instructional environment. The Elementary school on campus is named after her in honor of the tremendous legacy she left on the organization prior to her passing in 1991.
Over the next 55 years, the school blossomed into a multi-service organization which services the entire state of Massachusetts, as well as many New England areas. The organization is home to two schools, Marie Philip School and Walden School, as well as an Audiology Clinic, Interpreting Services, Community ASL Classes, Parent Infant Program, statewide Behavioral Health services, and Public School Partnership Program.