Meet Millie Brother, Founder of CODA International

Safe’N’Clear is proud to recognize Millie Brother for our Deaf Leaders Series as we celebrate Deaf Parent Day!

Growing up with Deaf parents, life seemed normal to Millie Brother until she attended public school. Brother felt the difference between the hearing world and Deaf world. Brother was able to separate the two in her mind and felt comfort in each until each world crossed paths. Bridging language and cultural differences was difficult for her as a child.

Brother has been allowed to view deafness as normal and be more accepting of individual differences. Deafness has exposed Brother to stigma, discrimination, audism, and ignorance. On a positive note, Brother had a greater sense of responsibility and is lucky to have been immersed in a beautiful ASL language and Deaf culture.

CODA International was an outgrowth of this journey between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Brother could function readily in either place, and where did she fit?

Brother was a graduate student from 1980-82 graduate student at Gallaudet University. While attending Gallaudet, Brother interviewed sixteen CODAs for a class research project. (Note, Brother did not coin the term, CODA, until her 1983 CODA Introductory newsletter). She was inspired by everyone’s shared stories. The stories were not identical, yet they deeply resonated. She decided to start a newsletter to reach out to a greater audience with a shared identity.

Creating CODA International has been full of rewards and challenges for her. Reaching out before the internet was a tedious process. There was initial skepticism from Deaf parents about what might be shared. Over time and increasing trust, Brother has seen support and encouragement from both Deaf parents and their hearing offspring grow.

“We cherish our Deaf roots and CODA identity. It’s not always easy to bridge two cultures, but the rewards are a strengthened sense of self and foundation. I have not only gained new friends but a sense of family worldwide,” said Brother.

Brother appreciates being a CODA because she has a stronger sense of identity and community. Brother has been able to form connections with other CODAs all across the world- Africa, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia/Oceania, and throughout North America.

From CODA International, they have had a trickle-down effect on Deaf Parent/hearing child families with support of KODA-Kids of Deaf Adults for youth. DPD or Deaf Parents Day is another way they honor families around the world. They have an annual financial assistance program for CODAs called the Millie Brother Scholarship. Brother was honored that the membership designated this award in her name to assist CODAs furthering their post-secondary education.

“CODA is now 42 years old. It is not just about me but more about we. The legacy is about resilience and strength which is passed to us from our parents. It is my hope future CODA generations will continue to wear their name with gratitude and pride,” said Brother.

For more information, visit https://www.coda-international.org/. Her fellow Coda colleague- Trudy Schafer is credited with getting Mother Father Deaf Day recognized in 1996. Millie Brother and Trudy Schafer recognize the deep support from their fellow Coda colleague- Dr. Paul Preston. Preston did his dissertation on Codas who shared their stories of growing up with deaf parents. Harvard University Press published Mother Father Deaf in 1995. Paul Preston died in 2023; yet, we lift up Paul Preston as we recognize these three amazing leaders.

“Our community is diverse and looks forward to hearing your CODA story and expanding our family,” said Brother.