“Oscar Best Picture nominee ‘CODA’ a big hit for local children of deaf adults,” WSB-TV2

Former CaringWorks Hope House resident Bradley Porter and his daughter Ivy Porter-Henderson were recently featured on a WSB-TV2 story by reporter Berndt Petersen regarding the blockbuster movie CODA. CODA, which stands for Child of Deaf Adults, hit home with Ivy who has gone through many of the same experiences as the lead character, 17-year-old Ruby who is the only hearing member of a deaf family. It was Bradley who recommended that Ivy watch the movie.

“I love my parents. I’m blessed to have them. But at the same time, it can be a little overwhelming,” she shared.

That love for her father inspired her to research residential treatment and recovery service options for the deaf, leading Bradley to Hope House’s Deaf Bridges to Recovery program. One of only three programs of its kind in the nation and the only one in the Southeast, Bradley and Ivy found a solution that provided the accessibility and support he needed.

CaringWorks Program Manager Kevin Henderson who developed the Deaf Bridges to Recovery program believes the film has had a positive impact on educating the hearing community about Deaf culture and the need for improved accessibility. “It’s always a work in progress,” he shared.

Bradley has graduated from the Deaf Bridges to Recovery program at Hope House, and his and Ivy’s relationship is stronger than ever. And perhaps the movie CODA has brought Bradley and Ivy even closer still.

To watch the interview online, visit the WSB-TV 2 webpage here.