Our History
Hearing Hands Cares was founded by Executive Director, Keiona Carter, whose vision for connection and community was formed from lived experience within the interpreting profession and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities.
In 2024, Keiona served as a silent partner and planning committee member for the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI) Family Reunion, a landmark event celebrating Black interpreters from across the country. As Lead Chairperson for Travel and Logistics, she played a pivotal role in securing both the hotel contract and the cruise partnership that made the reunion’s travel and lodging seamless and memorable. The reunion, held in July 2024, was a historic gathering that strengthened bonds among Black interpreters and reignited a sense of shared pride, purpose and belonging.
Witnessing the unity and joy that emerged from that event, Keiona recognized the need for a lasting framework one that could continue to nurture connection, accessibility, and support for future gatherings and community initiatives. Rather than relying on temporary crowdfunding efforts, she envisioned an organization that could serve as a sustainable, structured foundation to uplift the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and interpreting communities alike.
From that vision, Hearing Hands Cares was born a nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusion, awareness, and accessibility, while fostering community, cultural celebration, and ongoing professional support. What began as one woman’s leadership behind the scenes has evolved into a movement committed to ensuring that the next generation of interpreters, Deaf professionals, and allies have the resources and networks they need to thrive together.
Executive Director, Keiona Carter
With over twenty years of experience in corporate and leisure travel, Keiona Carter has dedicated her career to creating experiences that connect people and cultures.
Her passion for community impact grew while serving as the Lead Chairperson for Travel and Logistics for the National Alliance of Black Interpreters (NAOBI) Family Reunion in 2024, where she secured hotel and cruise partnerships that brought Black interpreters together from across the country. Inspired by the event’s success, Keiona founded Hearing Hands Cares to create a lasting platform that supports inclusion, advocacy, and accessibility for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and interpreter communities.
Currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Deaf Education at the University of Montevallo, Keiona’s mission is to bridge the gap for Deaf travelers by designing inclusive adventures, both domestically and abroad, that celebrate culture, communication, and connection.
Core Values
- Accessibility: Ensuring open communication and barrier-free engagement in all spaces.
- Empowerment: Supporting the growth, leadership, and visibility of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
- Collaboration: Building partnerships among Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and interpreter communities.
- Education: Increasing public awareness and understanding of Deaf culture, language, and access needs.
- Equity: Advocating for systems and environments that respect linguistic and cultural diversity.
Support Hearing Hands Cares
Help us make a difference in the community by making a donation to Hearing Hands Cares. Every contribution counts!