Project Type:
Freelance
Client:
“Deafie Kids Rock” is a positive and inspirational message that advocates for and encourages all Deaf, Hard of Hearing (HoH), and KODA (Kids of the Deaf Adults) children as part of their identity. It also helps remind them that they are capable, resilient, and able to overcome difficult challenges throughout their lives, regardless of their hearing loss and/or disabilities.
Problem
Estefani 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.
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.
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.
