KODA Conference - July 2009

The following information was compiled from the KODA website:

As Deaf parents with hearing children of our own, we are always searching for ways to learn and support one another in bridging the cultural differences between the deaf and hearing worlds. We believe that nothing is more special than the connection we all proudly share as “koda families.” We hope that you share our sentiment, as it is the premise behind the first National Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA) Family Conference (NKFC).

The idea of having a national conference geared for families with deaf parents and hearing children (commonly referred to as “koda families”) was born from the desire to have a medium that would connect people from all over the country. By examining and celebrating the special relationship and cultural identities of hearing children and their deaf parents, as well as the family dynamic as a whole, we believe that a greater understanding and awareness of ourselves and our families will be achieved. And as a result, we will also have a deeper, stronger family bond. Advocacy and development programs for our “koda children”, particularly in the critical areas of education and psychosocial development, are another major focus of our conference. We see brilliant examples of this in the highly successful KODA camps and regional KODA organizations. We hope this conference will provide a way to share and build on those best practices.

To preside over such an important event is a huge honor. You can be extremely proud of the steering committee that has been working diligently over the past year to make this conference bloom. Our committee, a group of experts and professionals in their fields and disciplines, include members who have served on the Metro Maryland KODA committee and in the DC/CODA organization. We are also fortunate to have representatives from local and regional KODA organizations through out the country helping to guide and advise us in designing the program. With the support of Communication Studies and Family and Child Studies at Gallaudet University, each and every member of our team is excited to offer services and support to koda families as well as to professionals and community leaders. Through our work and service, we seek to continuously reaffirm the viability, strength and healthy future of koda families across the country.

With the help of this website, we hope that you will recognize the value of NKFC and will feel inspired to be a part of the conference. A dynamic program of speakers, workshops, activities and events is being planned for parents, professionals -- and perhaps most importantly – the kids and family! Please come back and visit the website from time to time as new, updated information will be posted as events unfold. We look forward to meeting you and your families at the National KODA Family Conference at Gallaudet University from July 8 to 12, 2009.

Call for Presentation Proposals

The National Kids of Deaf Adults (KODA) Family Conference is currently seeking dynamic and innovative presentations for our very first event to be held on the Gallaudet University campus in Washington, D.C. in summer 2009. We invite you
to submit a presentation proposal that will empower, educate, and enrich the knowledge and skills of Deaf parents with Hearing children and the professionals who work with these families.

For more information, download the submission form here (PDF).