Founded for and by families with hearing-loss and Deaf members
Mission Statement
Deaf-i's purpose is to further awareness of the unique needs of cochlear implant recipients through advocacy. We aim to improve awareness by promoting education, outreach, equity, and support. We strive to create a community that fosters inclusivity, empowerment, and accessibility for all. Our programs include but are not limited to providing free lectures and resources that benefit the quality of life of cochlear implant recipients, raising social consciousness about the cause on a local and global level, and holding fundraising events to maximize our impact.
Our People
Farah BaderFounder, CEO
Farah is a student at Washington University as a Danforth Scholar and an early high school graduate from BASIS Scottsdale and was diagnosed with bilateral hearing loss at birth. Currently a bilateral cochlear implant recipient, she aspires to become an audiologist, advocating and being part of the journey for hearing loss children. Volunteering at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and with preschoolers who share her hearing loss, she is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment focusing on ability and not disability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can families (siblings and parents) be supportive of the cochlear Implant recipient?
During conversations always repeat when they ask you to avoid saying “nevermind” or ‘It's not a big deal” just repeat. In public places and situations serve as their backup ears when they mishear or get lost in conversations. -Farah
How can Cochlear Implant recipients perceive music?
Generally speaking, music is harder to understand for Cochlear Implant recipients. It's a struggle to discriminate between instruments or lyrics of a song unless we read them (at least from my experience.) However for me with exposure and time, I've learned to distinguish instruments, and sometimes, the rhythm of the music is enough for me to still enjoy it. -Farah
Does it ever hurt listening through Cochlear Implants?
No, it doesn’t however depending on the device programming some sounds can be more overstimulating and irritating to CI recipients than their hearing peers. Examples are police sirens or microphone feedback. It varies for every person
Resources
The start to every Cochlear Implant Recipient's Journey
Providing information on hearing loss, early intervention, and communication options, as well as resources for professionals and ways to get involved in the community.
They host the famous "Walk4Hearing" that our founder routinely attended and highly recommends. It supports various communities, including veterans, students, and employees, and offers financial assistance information.
Educational lectures created in collaboration with WashU Deaf-i, covering a range of topics related to hearing loss. We encourage you to use these presentations as part of your own learning and teaching efforts, in alignment with fair-use guidelines. Topics include ASL, empathy for those with cochlear implants, etc. Enjoy spreading awareness and advocacy!