For the third theme in our 50th Anniversary series, we explore what comes after lifting and opening. We explore what it means to grow. 

Since 1975, CSD has believed that real progress is not just about what we build today but also how we cultivate what comes next. Growth means becoming stronger and wiser through every challenge and triumph. 

From the very beginning 50 years ago, a seed was planted. When Benjamin Soukup founded CSD, he did so with a vision that Deaf people deserve more than scraps of access. That first vision became a seed that would grow into a crossroads where Deaf culture, Deaf language, and the greater society meet. A special place where magic and collaboration happen. Over time, it would branch out to education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, advocacy, technology, and more. Every part of our work today comes from that original seed. 

Planting Seeds for Next Generations 

Growing means passing down what we have learned to tomorrow’s torchbearers. Program Impact, one of CSD’s brands, builds pathways for Deaf learners by providing mentorship, scholarships, and career programs that open doors to leadership and professional growth. Through the impact of the Social Venture Fund’s (SVF) efforts, we strengthen Deaf entrepreneurs by supporting their startups, offering skill-building workshops, and encouraging community networking. We know what it feels like to stand at the edge of opportunity with big dreams but limited support. When budding Deaf leaders of all ages see other Deaf people leading, their potential to thrive accelerates. 

Growing Through Innovation 

Another way we grow is through technological and service innovation. CSD has always looked for ways to break the mold. We piloted Video Remote Interpreting when others said it could not be done. We helped build Video Relay Services (VRS) to move beyond text phones and bring natural ASL conversations into daily life. We continue to push for Direct Video Calling so Deaf people can be plugged into the same customer service standards that hearing people expect. We are always exploring new tools to make real-time human connections feel natural and seamless. 

Our unique life experiences as Deaf people have provided an abundant resource of innovation to enhance the quality of life, not only for ourselves, but also for society. Our communities depend on each other’s health and wellbeing, which is why through DeafHealth, we help Deaf patients lead their own paths forward with informed autonomy and better access to healthcare and wellness. 

Strengthening the Roots of Community 

Growth cannot happen without strong roots. That is why we also focus on the soil we share, building programs and spaces that keep Deaf communities connected to culture, language, and each other. Through the Deaf Organizations Fund (DOF), we also strengthen Deaf-centric organizations with trust-based grants and resources, because growth includes individual and collective success, care, and shared wellbeing.  

From Lift to Open to Grow 

Over the past fifty years, we have lifted Deaf communities through support, resources, and collective power. We have opened doors and minds so Deaf people can step through with confidence and be seen and accepted as equals. 

Now, we look to the future. We look at what it means to keep growing. 

To keep growing is to keep caring for ourselves, our community, and what we have built. It happens when we help each other’s dreams grow. It happens when we believe that the fruits of our work belong to everyone. 

We keep asking the same questions. How can we help more Deaf people live full, happy lives? How can we turn over old systems that hold us back? How can we plant the seeds today that future generations will one day reap?  

These answers do not come easily from society at large. They are born from Deaf experiences. So, we created them through our own actions and solutions. Fifty years in, our purpose stays the same. To lift. To open. To grow. 

The work does not stop here. The roots keep spreading. The branches keep reaching. And the dreams keep growing. If anyone knows about growing dreams, it is CSD.