Deaf Defy is a Deaf-led team of language acquisition specialists, audiologists and interpreters who share a passion for improving the lives of Deaf children. Using a medical mission model, we travel to refugee camps and areas of conflict, bringing audiological care, hearing aids and, most importantly, sign language acquisition counseling to Deaf children in need. Browse our timeline below to learn more about our journey!

The Team

Zaineb “Zee” Abdulla

Mission Lead; Behavior Specialist

Hala Somo

Grad Student Assistant

Richard Bicbic

Audiologist

Dr. Tasnim Hamza

Doctor of Audiology

Sana Altamimi

Language Specialist

Dr. Sarah Sparks

Doctor of Audiology

Ahmed Ali

Regional Coordinator: Iraq

Dr. Olivia Dion

Doctor of Audiology

Rizgar Ismail

Language Specialist

Gregory Lawson

ASL Interpreter

Chelsea Bundy

ASL Interpreter

Dr. Jodi Little

Doctor of Audiology