Time for Something Different...

Who Are We?

We are:

• Codas who grew up between two worlds

• Deaf individuals whose experiences shaped generations

• Families navigating language, identity, and connection

• Professionals and allies committed to access, equity, and healing

At our core, we are a community bridging worlds:

• The Deaf world

• The hearing world

• And the often invisible space in between

We carry stories of:

• Language

• Silence

• Responsibility

• Resilience

• And legacy

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Why Do We Need CodaFest?

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Because something has been missing.

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1. Codas Have Been Invisible​

Codas are often grouped into the “hearing world,” but their experiences are deeply shaped by Deaf culture, language access, and responsibility at a young age.

There are very few spaces designed specifically for Codas and their families to process this.

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2. Language Access Shapes Lives​

Language is not just communication—it is:

• Identity

• Emotional development

• Family connection

When access is inconsistent or delayed, it can create:

• Misunderstandings

• Role reversals (children as interpreters)

• Emotional burden

CodaFest creates a space where language is fully accessible and centered.

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3. Intergenerational Experiences Need a Place to Be Seen​

Many families carry:

• Stories of oppression

• Educational barriers

• Language deprivation

• Cultural pride and resilience

But these stories are rarely shared together, across generations.

CodaFest allows:

• Deaf parents

• Coda adults

• Coda children

• Hearing partners

to sit in the same space and witness each other.

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4. We Need Connection, Not Just Services​

Therapy is important. Education is important.

But community healing happens when people:

• Laugh together

• Share stories

• See themselves reflected in others

• Feel understood without explanation

CodaFest is about belonging, not just learning.

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5. We Are Building the Future​

CodaFest is not just about today—it’s about:

• Supporting healthier Deaf parents

• Empowering Codas with identity and voice

• Creating stronger family systems

• Informing research and advocacy

This is how we begin to address language injustice and its ripple effects.

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In One Sentence​

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CodaFest exists because Codas, Deaf families, and their communities deserve a space where their experiences are centered, understood, and transformed into connection, healing, empowerment, and change.