About CODA

Welcome to the CODA International Website.

CODA—Children of Deaf adults, is a non-profit organization for the adult hearing sons and daughters of deaf parents. The organization began in 1983 and has grown to include people from many different countries and very different family and extended family situations.

The CODA experience is strikingly similar across the world. Regardless if you come from a family with one deaf parent, both deaf parents, additional deaf family members, families who signed, families who didn’t. etc., you are welcome here.

Mission
CODA (Children of Deaf Adults, Inc.) is an international organization that focuses on hearing children of deaf adults.  Membership is primarily but not exclusively composed of hearing children of deaf parents.  CODA addresses our bicultural identity through conferences, support groups and resource development.

Statement of Purpose
CODA is an organization established for the purpose of promoting family awareness and individual growth in hearing children of deaf parents. This purpose is accomplished through providing educational opportunities, promoting self-help, organizing advocacy efforts, and acting as a resource for the membership and various communities.

Memorial Fund
The CODA International Conference Stipend Memorial Fund was established to honor CODA members who have passed away.  It began in 1999 after the Eli Savanick and the Ron Coffey Funds were combined.  It now recognizes any former member of CODA International.  With a $250 contribution, the name of the honored member will be added to the Fund’s memorial plaque.  The funds raised will be used to pay the conference registration fees of those in financial need.

There is no time limit for honoring past members.  If you wish to remember a member who passed away recently or sometime ago, contact Trudy Schafer at the address below and inform her of your intent.  Share your intention with others who will be interested in donating.  All checks should be payable to CODA International with the name of the honoree listed in the memo line.   Checks should be sent to Trudy at the address below.  Once $250 has been raised in the name of the individual, his or her name will be added.

During the business meeting during each conference a brief ceremony and moment of silence for those who have passed away will occur.   This information is correct as of August 2009.  Changes may occur to the necessary amount raised or the contact person.  Such changes will be listed on the CODA International website and in the newsletter.

In July 2009, Jason Hay-Southwell began an effort to remember a past member, Brenda Smith. If you wish to contribute in her name, please follow the above instructions.

Trudy_Schafer@hotmail.com
16 Fairbanks Road
Framingham, MA  01701

Memorial Fund Honorees (as of August 2009)

Eli Savanick
Ron Coffey
Millie Colson
Sally Roshak
Dale Dyal
Joy Spillman
Evelyn Thompson
Kathy Sciarabba