Jenn Legg

Jenn Legg attended Gallaudet University, majoring in Deaf Studies. She is currently is employed as KODA Camp Program Director at Camp Mark Seven located in Old Forge, NY as well as working for ZVRS.

Traveling Without a Map-the Importance of Shared Experiences for Kids of Deaf Adults

Today, greater information is available about the unique experiences of the adult children of deaf adults (Codas), however, a distinct lack of information and support exists for parents and children while these individuals are under the age of 18. This paper addresses the bilingual/bicultural aspects of kodas (kids of deaf adults), examining the linguistic and cultural divide that exists when growing up in between two different worlds. Kodas often experience conflicting messages from both their hearing and deaf counterparts, struggling to maneuver between these competing views without a support system of peers to guide them.
Building on twelve years of experience at a summer program geared towards koda children, the goal in presenting this subject is to increase knowledge regarding the unique needs and experiences of koda children as they navigate bicultural, bimodal and bilingual relationships. This paper identifies and discusses the emerging parallels between Hilde Haualand’s concept of the “Two-Week Village” and the experiences of koda campers at KODA Camp. In highlighting the significance of these temporary deaf- spaces and koda-spaces, we can identify the importance of these large, brief gatherings to both the deaf community and kodas. Outside of this discussion, this paper raises critical questions about the importance of continued community support and the role of coda/koda youth programs in the facilitation of positive bilingual/bicultural experiences and development of tools and techniques to aid them in their continued interaction with both hearing and deaf worlds.