Transforming Lives: Deaf to Dev(eloper)
Hey there! I’m excited to share a glimpse of my journey and how it led me to “Deaf to Dev,” a nationwide initiative that has empowered over 100 Deaf individuals (with many more to come) to become web developers in a month.
⭐How it started
Back in the summer of 2021, I stumbled upon an event at my University by chance, simply helping a friend fill the participant quota. Little did I know, that moment would lead me to something greater than myself. The event brought together Deaf individuals, providing me with insights into Deaf culture and opening my eyes to a world of untapped potential.
During this time, I encountered a game-changer opportunity: a leadership development program called Young Leaders for Indonesia, initiated by McKinsey & Company. As part of the program, we were challenged to create a Personal Leadership Project. With the support of dedicated friends, we embarked on a journey to create something meaningful from scratch. That’s when “Deaf to Dev” was born.
🧏🏻 About Deaf to Dev
Established in July 2021, “Deaf to Dev” is more than a passion project; it’s a movement, a beacon of hope in an industry too often marked by exclusion and discrimination. At its core, Deaf to Dev is about empowerment, breaking the myth that being Deaf limits your potential as a developer.
We understood that traditional barriers — limited resources, inaccessible materials, and a lack of support — held back an entire community from realizing their dreams. Through “Deaf to Dev”, we seek to shift the focus from “they’re Deaf” to “they’re developers,” fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment within the Deaf community.
🗺️Navigating Challenges
Running ‘Deaf to Dev’ isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. Every decision required swift and wise action as time ticked faster than anticipated. To build a strong foundation, defining our concept and objectives was crucial. After weeks of intensive research, we identified a significant gap: Deaf individuals lacked a platform to learn and showcase their skills to recruiters. Drawing from my technology background, we focused on creating a web portfolio. Initially, doubts lingered about whether it would truly meet their needs, given the niche nature of the sector and the challenges in gathering insights.
Despite our unfamiliarity with Deaf culture, we remained devoted to our mission to provide resources. We diligently sought out information and gained valuable insights from stakeholders like special needs teachers. Managing a team spread across 4 different cities in Indonesia posed a unique challenge, especially since our project didn’t offer monetary benefits. To overcome these obstacles, I instilled a strong team culture where we collectively defined our vision and responsibilities. I swiftly devised strategies to keep the team engaged, fostering weekly online-bonding sessions to understand their challenges better and find collaborative solutions. Driven by our collective commitment, we pressed on, overcoming obstacles one step at a time.
🚀The Impact Unleashed
The impact of “Deaf to Dev” extends far beyond the realm of coding. In just a month, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations — both personal and professional — as over 100 participants nationwide honed their skills, built their portfolios, and confidently stepped into the world of web development. At the end of the program, they have published personal web portfolios and entered the world of web development with confidence.
To ensure this project reaches the right target audience, we strategically reached out to Deaf communities and successfully partnered with 14 community partners. The ripple effect was further supported by the marketing team, which strategically built our Instagram account. As of today, two batches have already graduated, and we’re gearing up for another in May 2024!
Beyond the quantifiable impact we’ve made, it’s the qualitative transformation that has altered my perspective, granting me a new lens to view the world.It’s shown me the depth of my privilege, often unnoticed — the resources, opportunities, and supportive environment that have nurtured my growth. This experience has broadened my horizons and grounded me, fostering a mindfulness that I now hold dear. But above all, it’s the invaluable life lessons learned through interactions with “Deaf to Dev” communities that I treasure. Their resilience and unwavering spirit have shaped me into a more empathetic and compassionate person.
✨Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the journey thus far, our sights are set on the future. Our goal is to expand the reach of the “Deaf to Dev” and empower even more individuals to pursue their dreams. But we cannot do it alone. We need support — from partners, from sponsors, from individuals who believe in the power of inclusivity and the potential of every individual, regardless of their background or abilities. If you’re moved to help, please reach out to us through Instagram or Linkedin!
In a world where labels too often define us, “Deaf to Dev” serves as a beacon of hope — a reminder that our true worth lies not in what we cannot do, but in what we can achieve when given the chance. Here’s to a more accessible and inclusive future for all 🎉!