I really enjoyed recording this episode. Melissa Bridges gives listeners her insight into her world of growing up as a CODA. For those who don’t know what CODA stands for a child of a deaf adult.
In this episode, we chat about Melissa’s experience growing up as a child of a deaf adult which is not as uncommon as you think. We discuss Deaf Culture, misconceptions, and how to interact with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Melissa Bridges is a certified ASL Interpreter. Melissa is currently pursuing her degree in Rehabilitation Counseling. She has previously worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Texas where she primarily works with hard of hearing and clients who are deaf.
In this episode we cover:
- What does the acronym CODA stand for?
- Challenges growing as a child of deaf adults
- People being concern over parents being deaf
- First language was sign language
- Babies develop skills to create the hand coordination and dexterity to sign before they can develop the skills to create words/speech.
- How did people in the community react to Melissa’s family?
- Melissa’s shares a funny story
- Benefits of being raised by deaf parents.
- Being part of two cultures
- What are some things people don’t know about CODA’s that they should know?
- Difference between a person who is “deaf,” “Deaf,” or “hard of hearing”?
- Challenges in Melissa’s role as a vocational counselor and also an interpreter
- Offensive language or phrases that people need to stop using when referring to someone who is hard of hearing or deaf.
- Advice for those who interacting with deaf people for the first time.