Organization's mission gallaudet university, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of DEAF and hard of hearing individuals through american sign language and english. Gallaudet maintains a proud tradition of research and scholarly activity and prepares its graduates for career opportunities in a highly competitive, technological, and rapidly changing world. Gallaudet is the only accredited university in the world established exclusively for DEAF or hard of hearing students. In addition to its undergraduate and graduate academic programs, the university offers elementary and secondary education programs, continuing education programs, and a wide range of public service programs. Gallaudet is a private university that receives a substantial proportion of its annual revenue by direct appropriation from the federal government under the authority of the education of the DEAF ACT.