Industry:
Small Business Owner
Client:
Service:
Graphic Design
Date:
May 2024
Tools:
Procreate
Adobe Illustrator
The "Deaf Kids Can" and "Deafie Kids Rock" is a well-known positive reminder that advocates for and encourages all Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, and KODA children that being deaf is part of their identity and that they are capable of do anything they want to do regardless of hearing losses.
- "Deaf Kids Can" -
Problem
Deaf children often have doubts about their potential in doing what normal children can do in everyday life during their childhood. They may be skeptical of their own abilities, which can impact their future in terms of career, life, self-identity, and social life. Sometimes, they were not exposed to positive reinforcement that encouraged and taught them what they are capable of. Every child experiences a unique journey and can engage in everyday life like any other kid, while the world can be cruel and treat them differently.
Solution
This idea originated from Estefani Arevalo, a Deaf mother to Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children. Arevalo wanted to raise awareness of this with the Deaf and Hearing communities, as well as Latino and trilingual groups. Something to inspire all deaf children who are Deaf. Hard of hearing, and KODA (Kid of the Deaf Adult). For Deaf children with hearing parents, this support helps children feel seen and proud. For Deaf children with Deaf parents, it strengthens their sense of Deaf community and Deaf pride. And for KODA kids (hearing children with Deaf parents), it teaches them to respect and celebrate both Hearing/Deaf cultures and their loved ones who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing.
Outcome
This project aims to give Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children encouragement and confidence in believing they can do anything they want to do. Wearing this shows them they’re not alone and that their Deaf identity is powerful in both Deaf and Hearing communities. The t-shirt sizes are available for everyone, from infants to adults.
This project also encompasses various Deaf identities, including Deaf Kids Can, Deaf/HoH Kids Can, HoH Kids Can, KODA Kids Can, and Deaf Kids Can in Spanish.
- "Deafie Kids Rock" -
Problem
Arevalo promotes Deaf awareness, Deaf culture, and identity through her experience as a Deaf mother and advocate for her Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. However, the Deaf community lacks educational and awareness-focused designs that incorporate American Sign Language and Deaf culture elements. Inspiring, Deaf-centered designs created by Deaf artists—specifically for children with hearing loss—have rarely, if ever, appeared in mainstream clothing and stationery retail.
Arevalo promotes Deaf awareness, Deaf culture, and identity through her experience as a Deaf mother and advocate for her Deaf and hard-of-hearing children. However, the Deaf community lacks educational and awareness-focused designs that incorporate American Sign Language and Deaf culture elements. Inspiring, Deaf-centered designs created by Deaf artists—specifically for children with hearing loss—have rarely, if ever, appeared in mainstream clothing and stationery retail.
Solution
Arevalo is a strong advocate for language access and education for her children and the Deaf community. She translates her ideas into impactful actions by reminding everyone of the well-known slogan "Deaf Kids Rock," which resonates strongly with Deaf youth and their parents in support of their Deaf child/children.
Arevalo is a strong advocate for language access and education for her children and the Deaf community. She translates her ideas into impactful actions by reminding everyone of the well-known slogan "Deaf Kids Rock," which resonates strongly with Deaf youth and their parents in support of their Deaf child/children.
Outcome
"Deaf Kids Rock" slogan is impactful in the Deaf community because:
• It celebrates these kids as amazing, capable, and strong, living in both Deaf and hearing worlds across all levels of hearing loss.
• The phrase uses the idea of being a “rock star” to symbolize pride, confidence, and potential.
• KODA kids are encouraged to value Deaf culture, their unique identity, and to take pride in being Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• The design adopts a cheerful, playful, goovy, and vibrant style to offer positive encouragement to both Deaf/KODA children and their parents.
"Deaf Kids Rock" slogan is impactful in the Deaf community because:
• It celebrates these kids as amazing, capable, and strong, living in both Deaf and hearing worlds across all levels of hearing loss.
• The phrase uses the idea of being a “rock star” to symbolize pride, confidence, and potential.
• KODA kids are encouraged to value Deaf culture, their unique identity, and to take pride in being Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
• The design adopts a cheerful, playful, goovy, and vibrant style to offer positive encouragement to both Deaf/KODA children and their parents.
The project is based on the same concept that also applies to various Deaf identities, including Deaf Kids Rock, Deaf/HoH Kids Rock, HoH Kids Rock, KODA Kids Rock, and Deaf Kids Rock. They are also available in English, ASL, and Spanish.
