KODA

What is a KODA in the deaf community?

Kid of Deaf Adults

A KODA is a "kid of deaf adults," which is a variation of the more common "CODA" acronym. People typically use KODA when referring to kids younger than 18 that have one or more deaf parents.

Where did KODA come from?

KODA evolved from CODA, which was coined by Millie Brother in the earlier 1980s. KODAs may be deaf, but they usually can hear. KODAs that can hear have a unique experience where they exist in the deaf community through their parent(s) and in the hearing world. These KODAs also usually know sign language are often utilized by their parents as interpreters to better communicate with the hearing world.

Other acronyms that describe deaf relationships

Various acronyms are utilized in the deaf community for describing people's relationships to deaf individuals. Some include "OCODA" (Only Child of Deaf Adults - no siblings), "OHCODA" (Only Hearing Child of Deaf Adults - deaf parents and deaf siblings), "GODA" (Grandchild of Deaf Adults), and "SODA" (Sibling of a Deaf Adult).

Example

Growing up as a KODA I felt a lot of responsibility to help my parents navigate the hearing world

Koda signing with her deaf mother

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Updated August 24, 2021

KODA definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the acronym "KODA" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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