About Us

Deaf Defy is a Deaf-led team of language acquisition specialists, audiologists and interpreters who share a passion for improving the lives of Deaf children. Using a medical mission model, we travel to refugee camps and areas of conflict, bringing audiological care, hearing aids and, most importantly, sign language acquisition counseling to Deaf children in need. Browse our timeline below to learn more about our journey!

The Team

Zaineb “Zee” Abdulla

Mission Lead; Behavior Specialist


Hala Somo

Doctor of Audiology


Richard Bicbic

Audiologist


Dr. Tasnim Hamza

Doctor of Audiology


Sana Altamimi

Language Specialist


Dr. Sarah Sparks

Doctor of Audiology


Ahmed Ali

Regional Coordinator: Iraq


Dr. Olivia Dion

Doctor of Audiology


Rizgar Ismail

Language Specialist


Gregory Lawson

ASL Interpreter


Chelsea Bundy

ASL Interpreter


Dr. Jodi Little

Doctor of Audiology