Coda panel for Koda families

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Image description: Silhouettes of a paper cut-out family consisting of two adults and two children are holding hands stand before a bright and glaring sun. The image displays itself as a two toned image similar to that of sepia. Below the image their is text that reads "CODA Panel for KODA families. Sunday, November 8th 1:00pm-3:00pm. Gallaudet Multipurpose Room, Gallaudet University. Refreshments will be provided. Below all of that their is smaller text that reads "If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Goldenbaum at rgoldenbaum@gmail.com or Wendy Wiatrowski at wiatrowskiw@gmail.com. At the very bottom of the flyer "In collaboration with KODAheart" is written and displays the KODAheart logo.

The Coda Panel for Koda Families was a community event held at Gallaudet University last Saturday. Bringing adult codas and parents with deaf children together was an excellent experience and we were happy to have such a fantastic turnout!

[Image description: Six people are seated side by side on a stage, a projector screen is behind them. One of the women who is seated on the far left is signing while the rest of the participants look on.]The Panel was a collaborative event organized by the KODAheart team and Rebecca Rydstrom and Wendy Wiatrowski (representing an emerging DC/Maryland/Virginia area parent group). Working with these parents, we sought codas from the region from a variety of backgrounds and age groups and asked them to share their personal experiences with the audience. We were very fortunate to have the participation of; Gilbert Lensbower, Wanette Reynolds, Marissa Rivera, Vadim Reytbkat, and Paola Morales. We also asked Audrey Frank, a Deaf mother and researcher to join the panel. Audrey brought meaningful insight on her experience raising both deaf and koda children as well as the expertise she developed in writing a dissertation on codas.

This event was a great opportunity for the coda community and koda families to connect and share experiences and engage in beneficial discussions! Moderated by KODAheart representative Jenn Legg, questions were developed by the parent group before the event and were asked to the panelists in both ASL and English. The panelists then took turns answering, sharing stories from their experiences growing up within a deaf and hearing family. These included memories from when they first realized they were a k/coda, to a recognition of the communication styles used within their own households. At the end of the event, audience members were able to pose their own their own questions to the panelists, beginning a dialogue that was very useful.

The feedback we have received already has been outstanding. “Wonderful CODA panel! It was very fascinating hearing stories from these amazing CODAs. Thanks to KODAHeart for hosting!” commented Rita Owens. “It was eye-opening learning experience. I certainly learned many things.” commented Sheri Youens-Un, a deaf parent. We want to send a huge thank-you to all the panelists who volunteered their time as well as everyone who came out to support!

[Image description: In the foreground is rows of people sit facing a stage with 6 people seated side by side. Far right person seated on stage is signing. Everyone is looking towards this person.]