Together We Can Empower People Through the Arts

A History of Success Leads Us To A Bright Future

Dr. Patricia Scherer President & Founder of ICODA

My Story

In 1973 while teaching at Northwestern University, I realized that Deaf and Hard of Hearing children had few opportunities to develop their creativity and talents to help them grow into self-confident, independent adults.  It was then that my dream was born and turned into a lifetime crusade to provide the children with quality experiences in the arts.  I wanted them to learn that they had much to contribute to the world and that by working together great achievements could occur.

The dream began at ICODA with a small group of Deaf children that were between 8-10 years old. These children set the foundation for those who came after them.  Over 20,000 children, adolescents and adults received direct services from ICODA during the years that followed.  More than 40,000 Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing individuals from the United States and other English speaking countries have had the opportunity to learn about Deafness and acquire respect for the talents of Deaf people by experiencing the many theatrical and educational programs presented by ICODA.

Now, thirty-four years later, I am asking you to help me take the next step in fulfilling ICODA’s dream.  Our dream is to construct a modern facility which will permit us to spread our services across the country and the world.  Thirty-four years may seem like an eternity to some, but for me, the years have flown by.  To witness the development of ICODA and to share the success of our students has kept me dedicated and committed to demanding excellence from my staff, my students and myself.  The experience and training these original ICODA students received helped them to become successful adults and today, I am proud to list the achievements of these children.

Members of the first Children's Theatre at ICODA

MICHAEL J. STARK
Graphic Designer, Web Editor and former member of the National Theatre of the Deaf

SHARON ROBINSON
Jewelry & Glass Designer and business owner

DEBBIE SAMPSON
Community College Instructional Specialist & founder of their annual Deaf-Fest

LYNN MANDELSON-FOERSTER
Child Technician in a Mental Health Program for Deaf Children

HOWARD ROSENBLUM
Lawyer & Founder of the Midwest Center on Law for the Deaf

RON JIU
Actor, Director  & Winner of the Princess Grace Award in Directing

MARLEE MATLIN 
Academy Award Winning Actress & Author

LIZ TANNEBAUM
Chicago Emmy Award Winning Actress

These successes are unmatched by any other Children’s Arts Organization, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, in the country.  We are proud of their accomplishments as thriving artists, authors, dancers, actors & business leaders.  Each one got their start at ICODA and then achieved successful adulthood as contributing citizens.  Please help us extend these successes to ICODA’s children of tomorrow!

Sincerely