Finding your people changes everything. For those who lose their hearing later in life, that search for connection can be especially complex: balancing new realities, communication shifts, and sometimes, a sense of loss.
That’s where ALDA, the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, steps in. Since 1987, ALDA has created space for individuals who became deaf after acquiring spoken language to connect, share resources, and rebuild confidence through community.
This month, as part of our ongoing series highlighting organizations that foster connection and accessibility, we’re shining a light on ALDA, a group that’s redefining what it means to communicate, connect, and belong.
ALDA was founded in Chicago by Bill Graham and Kathie Skyer Hering, two late-deafened adults who understood the power of peer connection. What began as small gatherings and a newsletter has grown into a national nonprofit with chapters and groups across the country—all guided by a simple, resonant philosophy: “Whatever works.”
That phrase captures the spirit of ALDA’s community: one that welcomes everyone, regardless of how they communicate. Whether through lipreading, sign language, captioning, writing, or technology, all forms of communication are valid. They also welcome people who were born Deaf or Hard of Hearing, individuals who use sign language as their primary language, and Hearing allies who support this mission. ALDA’s focus isn’t on how people connect, but that they do.
At its heart, ALDA is built on understanding, inclusion, and the belief that no one who becomes Deaf or Hard of Hearing later in life should have to navigate that experience alone.
ALDA’s network of local chapters and groups provides a lifeline for members across the U.S., Canada, and occasionally other countries. These gatherings offer meetings, social events, and support sessions where individuals can share experiences, exchange resources, and—perhaps most importantly—build connection.
Every year, members from across the country come together for ALDAcon, a national convention that blends workshops, education, and celebration. The event features expert presentations, accessible technology exhibits, and social events including the beloved and infamous karaoke night, a joyful reminder that communication and fun come in many forms.
Through its ALDA News publication, online resources, and advocacy initiatives, ALDA raises awareness about accessibility, captioning, and equal communication rights. The organization empowers members to advocate for themselves in public spaces and the workplace, and collaborates with partners nationwide to make everyday life more inclusive for people with hearing loss.
For many late-deafened adults, losing hearing can feel like losing connection itself. ALDA transforms that isolation into belonging. Members describe finding a sense of home among people who truly understand: a community that listens, supports, and celebrates each person’s journey.
By sharing experiences, strategies, and humor, ALDA members lift one another up. Whether it’s learning new communication tools, navigating relationships, or rediscovering confidence, the organization helps people see that life after hearing loss isn’t about limitation. It’s about adaptation and empowerment.
ALDA’s advocacy extends beyond its membership. Through awareness campaigns, collaboration with accessibility organizations, and partnerships with technology providers, ALDA is shaping a world where communication has no barriers. Their ongoing efforts remind us that inclusion benefits everyone and that accessibility is a shared responsibility.
To better understand ALDA’s mission and impact, we sat down with Tina Childress, audiologist, accessibility advocate, and Secretary for the ALDA Board of Directors, to talk about community, communication, and the power of “whatever works.”
Q: ALDA was founded to create a space for late-deafened adults to reconnect and rebuild community. What does that sense of connection mean to you personally, and what do you hear most often from new members who find ALDA for the first time?
ALDA loves its mottos! You’ve already touched on “Whatever works,” but some of my other personal favorites are “Lost my hearing, found a family!” and, with the many late nights connecting during our annual ALDAcon, “We’ll sleep when we’re dead!”
I think of ALDA as my “mother ship.” It embodied exactly what I needed when I lost my hearing at age 29. Even though I was an audiologist and understood the ins and outs of hearing loss, I still had to learn how to be Deaf/Hard of Hearing and how to cope with all the feelings that came with that. I’ve learned so much from my fellow ALDAns over the years, many of whom I consider my dearest friends.
Q: The phrase “Whatever works” is central to ALDA’s philosophy. How does that mindset show up in the way members communicate and support each other?
If you walk into any ALDA gathering, you’ll see people communicating in many ways. Some are talking, some are signing, some are doing both, and some are using assistive or access technologies. CSL, short for “Crappy Sign Language,” is the official language of ALDA. It shows that it’s never too late to learn, even if it takes longer than you’d think!
You’ll also notice that we all get it, so you don’t have to remind people to face you or feel bad when you ask someone to repeat something. We’ve all been there.
Q: Losing hearing later in life can bring complex emotions and challenges. What are some of the biggest hurdles people face, and how does ALDA help them navigate that transition?
Adjusting to deafness or learning how to use hearing technology is only one part of being late-deafened. There’s often a grieving process: letting go of your former hearing self and figuring out how to navigate this new identity. People also run into access barriers they’ve never experienced before and need to understand their rights and how to self-advocate.
Communication access has evolved so much over the years. Many people don’t know what’s available or how to make the most of these tools. These are all things you can learn through ALDA.
We also know that as people get older, the likelihood of experiencing hearing loss increases. I think about the Baby Boomer generation reaching this point now… there’s a lot to learn, and we want to help. At the same time, we recognize that younger people are also looking for a place to belong. We’d love for them to join ALDA to learn, grow, and meet others like them.
Q: ALDAcon has become more than just a convention—it’s a celebration of connection. What makes it so special?
We would love it if every late-deafened person had people nearby they could meet regularly, but we know that’s not always possible. Meeting virtually or through email or text helps bridge the gap, but there’s nothing like walking into the ALDAcon hotel and knowing you don’t have to explain your communication needs because everyone already understands!
Newcomers tell us again and again how friendly and welcoming ALDAns are, and over time those newcomers become part of the family. At ALDAcon, people attend curated workshops, keynotes, and plenaries focused on topics tied to our mission, explore the exhibit hall, meet new people, and join my favorite tradition that closes out the conference: ALDA karaoke. When you’re on stage, it doesn’t matter if you can’t sing, can’t hear, or can’t sign. (If you’re hearing, we have earplugs for you). They say music is the universal language, and I feel that every time I watch people get up there and experience joy.
Q: What message would you share with someone who’s just beginning to lose their hearing and is unsure where to turn?
As an audiologist, I see how skilled my colleagues are at addressing the hearing loss itself, but there’s so much more to the experience when you once had something and now you don’t, or you’re adjusting to a “new normal.” Research shows that emotional and social support is just as important, if not more so, than audiological care.
Find people like you. Connect. Be heard. In every way that matters.
At InnoCaption, we celebrate organizations like ALDA that create community, foster connection, and champion accessibility for all.
To learn more about the Association of Late-Deafened Adults, visit alda.org.
Minah Han is a marketing professional dedicated to advancing accessible communication solutions for the deaf and hard of hearing community. At InnoCaption, she leverages her expertise in digital marketing and storytelling to amplify the voices of individuals who rely on innovative technologies for everyday conversations. Minah is passionate about bridging the gap between technology and accessibility, helping to drive awareness and education around captioned calling solutions.
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
