About

MISSION

KODAWest is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization which serves hearing children with parent/s who are deaf. Their mission is to bring these KODA s (Kids Of Deaf Adults) together in a support/peer group type of environment, such as camps and cultural enrichment programs. With this unique fellowship, these children will gain confidence and wisdom which will help them develop a better understanding of, and ability to embrace their two worlds: the hearing and the deaf. This organization also aims to provide resources and support workshops to deaf parents who face common issues while raising their KODAs.

SERVICES

Camps
Our biggest event of the year is the low-cost camp for these underserved KODAs. At this one-week camp, our campers will participate in leadership and team building skills as well as many other fun activities. Most importantly, they will attend KODA workshops run by the Camp Director, who is a Child (over the age of 18) of Deaf Adults (CODA). These workshops are an opportunity for the children to come together in a supportive and unified setting.

Workshops
Another important service we provide within this unique community is the low-cost workshops for the deaf parents. Many of these parents have minimal ideas of what is important in a hearing child’s life, such as music, and/or identifying sounds or noises. Often times, parents will depend on their children for interpreting situations, which can cause resentment in their children. Therapists, who have extensive knowledge in bi-cultural living, especially in hearing/deaf cultures, will be brought in to support and educate these under-informed parents.

Events
Throughout the year, we will also host several events which bring together these diverse families; such as our Summer Sun & Sand; KODA Does Disney; Zoo Rendezvous events. Hopefully one day, we will organize The Ultimate Concert Experience, for our teenaged KODAs. These events allow families to meet, interact, and share experiences with one another.

Resources
We are looking to build a network of families and koda organizations from around the world, to a build a stronger community for our kodas and share resources.