The Research Gap: Why This Study Matters
Despite millions of Deaf-parented households worldwide, CODAs remain one of the most under-researched bicultural populations in public health, psychology, and education.
The Reality:
Over 90% of children born to Deaf parents are hearing.
The Impact:
Most mental-health education and training programs do not include dedicated instruction on CODA identity, language brokering, or the dynamics of Deaf-parented families.
Our Mission
Build baseline community data focused on CODA wellbeing and family dynamics.
The Reality:
Very little developmental and mental-health research specifically centers the experiences of CODAs or the dynamics of growing up in a Deaf-parented household.
The Impact:
Educators and healthcare professionals may misunderstand Deaf-family communication styles and the responsibilities CODAs sometimes carry.
Our Mission:
Publish accessible research findings and educational materials that improve professional understanding and culturally responsive care.
The Reality:
Few standardized public-health frameworks directly address the experiences and support needs of Deaf-parented families.
The Impact:
Families are left to navigate complex dual-world challenges with no tailored support.
Our Mission:
Create evidence-based toolkits for parents, children, and practitioners.
Research & Impact: The CODA Visibility Study
Making the Invisible Visible.
Hear to Sign is conducting community-centered research to better understand the mental health, developmental experiences, family dynamics, strengths, and lived realities of Children of Deaf Adults and people raised in Deaf-parented homes.
What We Are Investigating
The CODA Visibility Study gathers quantitative and qualitative information across several critical, long-overlooked areas of the CODA experience.
- Language Brokering & Childhood Interpreting:
Understanding the emotional and developmental effects of interpreting for family members in medical, legal, and everyday settings at an early age.
- Bicultural Identity & Dual-World Navigation:
Examining how navigating between Deaf culture/ASL and mainstream hearing society shapes personal identity, belonging, and communication style.
- Mental Health & Provider Competency:
Assessing community access to therapists and counselors who understand Deaf culture, family boundaries, and the specific nuances of the CODA experience.
- Family Dynamics & Support Systems:
Identifying the resources, communication tools, and community structures that best support Deaf parents raising hearing children.
Participant Privacy & Ethical Data Standards
Hear to Sign is committed to responsible, transparent data practices that prioritize participant privacy and community trust.
- Privacy & Confidentiality: The survey does not request names or other direct identifying information. Responses are stored securely and reviewed only by authorized Hear to Sign representatives involved in analyzing the study results.
- Community-Led & Accountable: This data is collected by the community, for the community. It will never be sold, commercialized, or shared with third-party advertisers.
- Advocacy-Driven: Survey findings will be used exclusively to publish educational briefs, design family support toolkits, and conduct culturally competent training for clinicians and educators.
Who Can Participate?
- Adult CODAs (18+): Individuals raised by one or more Deaf parents or guardians.
- Identify as hearing or primarily hearing.
Participation takes approximately 15-20 minutes.