In episode 14, we talk to Shireen Hafeez, founder of Deaf Kids Code, about her project to get deaf kids making websites for local businesses using WordPress. Her initiative started with the Philadelphia School for the Deaf, with the goal of spreading across deaf schools across the country. This program aims to enable hard of hearing students to leave high school with real world skills that will empower them to build a prosperous career.
About Shireen: After the diagnosis of my son, I have been fully immersed into advocacy and activism for babies and kids who are Deaf/ hard of hearing. My entire life’s sense of purpose going forward has been focused on the betterment of this population. Though I still wear my advocacy hat, I started my own social initiative called Deaf Kids Code. It is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization which was created out of my fundamental belief that the digital age is the great equalizer. I believe that with the ever increasing tech skills gap and the global nature of honing such skills, the time has come to change the equation. With rapidly changing work environments, the increase in digital communication, as well as, remote working styles the barriers that existed before are fast dissolving. It also gives rise to support the claim that by supporting this pipeline, they will have greater social and economic participation than ever before. We are striving towards cultivating the next generation of tech leadership through this untapped talent pool. Society, industries, the economy, and those who are Deaf/ hard of hearing are all winners in the end. The even playing field has finally arrived and will make a dent in their astronomical unemployment rate too. Breaking the cycle from school to couch by inspiring skills that the world needs.
Find Shireen: Deaf kids Code | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
