Corey Axelrod (He, Him, His)
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As a member of a multigenerational Deaf family, Corey has seen many inequities in treatment for the Deaf/hard of hearing community--and he is determined to eliminate this injustice. After his father had trouble communicating with healthcare professionals during his battle with multiple myeloma, Corey founded
2axend, an organization dedicated to providing equitable experiences for Deaf/hard of hearing people.
In addition to his work with 2axend, he is a third-term president of the Illinois Association of the Deaf and sits on the Northwest Community Hospital's Patient and Family Advisory Council. He brings this passion to the Chicago Jewish community through his involvement with the Jewish Deaf Congress and hosting events for local Deaf/hard of hearing Jews, including Hanukkah parties.
During the pandemic, he advocated for COVID-related updates to be accessible to Deaf viewers at the local, state, and national level. Thanks to him, Governor Pritzker's press conferences now all feature interpreters.
AGE:
35
PRIMARY GIG:
Husband and father
ON THE SIDE:
Founder and CEO of
2axend
DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN 10 WORDS OR LESS:
Passionate, Driven,
Determined, Creative, Genuine, Persistent, Dynamic, Loyal, Tenacious,
Versatile
HOW YOU JEW IN CHICAGO:
From exposing my twin boys to bagels and lox from Kaufman's Deli to hosting
events for the Chicagoland Deaf Jewish community and participating in the Jewish
Deaf Congress' virtual services, there's so many ways to "Jew" in Chicago.
CHICAGO'S JEWISH COMMUNITY IN 10 YEARS:
"At home" when together amongst each other.
WHAT IS YOUR NEWFOUND PANDEMIC TALENT OR HOBBY:
Watching Cocomelon on TV with my 14-month-old twin
boys