This year the KODAheart team decided to take part in Deaf Awareness Week 2015! The week, also known as the International Week of the Deaf, is an annual event that culminates in the International Day of the Deaf. The goal is to raise awareness about the Deaf community around the world by highlighting the unique experiences of Deaf people and advocating for their rights. International, national, and local organizations celebrate the week by hosting events and activities. KODAheart supported these efforts through a week-long social media blast. Below you’ll see our daily posts and updates!

MONDAY

Did you know that Gallaudet University was the first to offer higher education for deaf and hard of hearing students? Edward Miner Gallaudet, a Coda, was its 1st president! #k3didyouknow #deafawareness #internationalweekofthedeaf #internationaldeafweek #deafawarenessweek [Image Description: In the background, a statue of a man in elaborate robes, stands with one hand resting on a small pillar, the other grasping a rolled paper. The statue is surrounded by shrubbery and in the distance a reddish building is visible. In the foreground, white fingertips hold an oval KODAheart sticker with the organization’s logo and website in white text with a black background.]

A photo posted by KODAheart (@kodaheart) on Sep 21, 2015 at 12:53pm PDT

 

TUESDAY

 

This week, in honor of Deaf Awareness Week, we are highlighting the ways that Deaf people make fantastic parents! Click the banner above to see our fun list!

 

WEDNESDAY

 

THURSDAY

 

FRIDAY

Institut National de Jeunes Sourds de Paris (INJS), was the 1st free school for the deaf founded in 1760 in Paris, France by Charles-Michel de l’Épée. #k3didyouknow #deafawareness #deafawarenessweek #internationalweekofthedeaf #internationaldeafweek [Image Description: in the background a clear see through sign attached to a building, in black print, with handshapes reads “Institut National de Jeunes Sourds”. In the foreground a hand is holding an oval KODAheart sticker with the organization’s logo and website in white text with a black background.] A photo posted by KODAheart (@kodaheart) on Sep 25, 2015 at 1:12pm PDT

  SATURDAY

One of the best ways to support the Deaf community, or make change in the Deaf community is to support the @nad1880 ! #NAD #k3didyouknow #deafawareness #deafawarenessweek #internationalweekofthedeaf #internationaldeafweek #nad1880 [Image Description: Through glass doors, the entrance way to the National Association of the Deaf headquarters. In the center of the photo is a rounded receptionist desk. On the wall circular logo in black and white reads “NAD”.] A photo posted by KODAheart (@kodaheart) on Sep 26, 2015 at 10:27am PDT

 

SUNDAY

Deaf people make fantastic parents! To see some of the wonderful c/kodas they have raised, visit our Koda Spotlight page! #deafawareness #kodaspotlight #deafawarenessweek #internationalweekofthedeaf #internationaldeafweek [Image description: Two rows of black and white and color portraits of men and women line the top and bottom of the frame. In the center a hand, outlined in black, signs “Spotlight”. A yellow shaft of light emanates from the palm, creating a spotlight. Black text to the right reads “Koda Spotlight”.] A photo posted by KODAheart (@kodaheart) on Sep 27, 2015 at 12:07pm PDT

 

The week was a great success. We were happy to engage with so many community organizations and throw our support behind the others who were promoting awareness about the Deaf community. We were also excited to generate interest and awareness among deaf parents, codas, kodas about how they could engage with their own communities! The feedback we’ve received was tremendous! The week has only just ended, but we’re already looking forward to next year!