CODA stands for Child of Deaf Adults. It refers to someone who has one or more D/deaf parents.ย
Here’s a breakdown of the term and its significance:
Unique Background: CODAs grow up in a bilingual and bicultural environment, exposed to both sign language and spoken language, and navigating the worlds of Deaf and hearing cultures.
Communication Bridge: CODAs often act as a bridge between their deaf parents and the hearing world, interpreting conversations, making phone calls, and advocating for their parents’ needs.
Identity and Experiences: The CODA experience is varied. Some CODAs feel a strong connection to the Deaf community and fluency in sign language, while others may not. Some may face challenges related to cultural identity or feelings of isolation.ย
Growing Awareness: The term CODA is becoming more widely recognized, thanks in part to the success of the movie “CODA”. This increased awareness can help CODAs feel understood and supported.
