Our Mission

Every day, millions of people live in two parallel experiences — the hearing world and the non-hearing world. With Real Deaf Stories, Dr. Judith Oliver invites you into a space created to bridge those worlds and honor real Deaf voices. 

• Globally, 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, including 430 million whose hearing differences shape daily life.
• About 70 million people identify as part of the Deaf community and use sign language as their primary language.
• Ninety-three percent of Deaf children are born to hearing parents who often do not sign or know Deaf adults, relying instead on professionals and online sources that rarely include Deaf perspectives. 
• In faith communities, 98% of Deaf people worldwide have never encountered the gospel due to limited accessible worship or Christ-centered programs.

Yet for many families, churches, and ASL (American Sign Language) learners, the Deaf Story is missing. Even in ASL education, students frequently lack culturally rich materials, skilled instructors, and opportunities to learn from Deaf storytellers themselves.

Real Deaf Stories exists to change this. Through our podcast, learning resources, and opportunities for meaningful connection, we offer access to real experiences, real insight, and real Deaf leadership. Here, deafness is not a disability — it is identity, culture, and a unique way of experiencing the world. We invite you to listen, learn, and lean in as we replace assumptions with understanding, one real story at a time.