Through a CODA’s Eyes: Interview with Marilyn Corlett as a Child of a Deaf Adult 

Unique from many other upbringings, the life of a CODA naturally leads to experiences and perspectives not often had by others. A CODA, or a Child of a Deaf Adult, may be hearing or Deaf themselves and often stand in a unique role within Deaf and hearing communities. A hearing CODA herself and a professional ASL interpreter today, Marilyn Brasel Corlett, dives deep into her childhood experiences, lessons learned, and values formed in this in-depth interview below. Join us as we uncover common misconceptions about CODAs and their roles with Marilyn. 

Marilyn shares she was born in Jacksonville, Illinois as one of five children. She noted proximity to the Illinois School for the Deaf created a good size Deaf community in her hometown. With extended families being a mix of Deaf and hearing, Marilyn emphasized the duality of her upbringing saying, “The world I was born into was one of Deaf and hearing alike being fluent in ASL.” 

We asked Marilyn what it was like to have Deaf parents as a hearing child and how it shaped her identity. She responded, “I was definitely blessed by my parents. We live in a culture that wants to define us without really addressing the whole person. Our parents were more than Deaf and I’m more than just being a CODA.  I couldn’t have asked for better role models. My mother was a beautician/hair stylist, seamstress, great cook and so many other things. My father on the other hand was a linotype operator, jokester, gardener, pastor and leader in the Deaf community.  My mother adored my father and he was a prince.  There were times my mother worked outside of the home and my father worked two jobs along with maintaining a garden to make sure our needs were met.  They worked hard to provide for us in a Godly home.”  

 When asked about her language development and preferences as a CODA, Marilyn shared, “What may seem unusual to some was perfectly normal for us. Interestingly, I believe one of the most common questions asked is, ‘How did you learn to speak?’  We do live in a hearing world, and my acquisition of language was both ASL and verbal language, simultaneously.” Marilyn reflected further on these mixed pressures and expectations of extended family as a child stating, “I remember the story about my maternal grandparents being concerned when my parents had their first child.  They suggested my father get a radio to expose my oldest brother to spoken language. He just laughed! How in the world would he find the right station and who’s to know if all he was listening to was static!” 

“Another story I recall is my father taking one of my brothers to school on his first day.  He pulled over to watch John excitedly run to the playground and observed him signing to the hearing children! Dad had to get out of the car and pull him aside to explain that those children are not Deaf and not all hearing people can sign,” she shared.  

While many CODAs find themselves naturally bridging Deaf and hearing cultural gaps for their family members from a young age, we asked Marilyn what this looked like for her as a child. She shared, “I don’t recall growing up, feeling the burden of providing a bridge between Deaf and Hearing cultures. Instead, I feel it moreso in my work as a professional interpreter. I love being part of a process that makes communication happen. I love that more times than not, people realize Deaf and hearing people aren’t so different after all.” 

Diving deeper, we asked Marilyn about experiences as a child having to interpret for her Deaf family members, especially when an interpreter should have been provided. Marilyn reflected sharing, “I remember my oldest brother interpreting for the doctor at the time of my mother’s passing. I’m sure it was difficult. And if you were to ask him how it impacted him, he would more than likely respond with, ‘I’m just glad I was there so Dad was well informed.’  What a blessing that our parents equipped us with language to make sure communication took place in every situation.”  

While this boundary and need looks different for every family, Marilyn shared, “I can only recall one rare occasion where I interpreted for a meeting with my Dad and struggled to stay in my role as interpreter. These experiences helped me gain a better understanding about the dynamics in our work as interpreters.  My Dad was more inclined to tell me, NOT to interpret! I remember him being pulled over for rolling through a stop sign.  He emphasized I was not to interpret!  He then ‘played the Deaf card.’ He gestured to the officer, indicating he was Deaf and the officer let him go!”  

“However, my parents did give me an opportunity to follow in my oldest brother’s footsteps by interpreting in church… It was only when I considered pursuing interpreting as a career, that my Dad switched hats to critique and help me develop my skills. I asked him why he didn’t correct some of my signs growing up.  He explained that he was more concerned in engaging with me and having genuine communication rather than focus and correct my signs. Those opportunities led me on a path to receive my training and experience in the field,” shared Marilyn. 

When asked about her perspective and unique role within Deaf culture, Marilyn shared, “As Deaf and Hearing people, we share much in a mutual culture.  As a result, I’m more inclined to perceive Deaf culture as a subculture. Regardless of how you define it, my life continues to be enriched because of the great Deaf role models whose influence has been and continues to be immeasurable. My parents definitely passed on their love for the Deaf community. My father told my oldest brother when he changed his Business major to Deaf Education, that ‘he was finally doing something productive!’”  

We asked Marilyn what common misconceptions are about CODAs and mixed hearing and Deaf families. She went on to share, “As a minority, my mother was concerned about any Deaf person or persons who might be a bad reflection of their community. She would refer to that situation with, ‘That person makes deaf people look bad.’ There are those who might perceive our families as unfortunate due to our parents’ deafness. However, on closer observation, I would hope that people would recognize the only thing our parents couldn’t do was hear. I believe my parents earned the respect they were due by their contributions to the world they lived in. On another note, I would love to see more movies portraying Deaf people in a positive light rather than negative. As CODAs, we love being able to relate to one another and share common experiences. At the same time, not unlike the hearing community and their families, our experiences can be uniquely different.” 

We asked Marilyn what she finds her biggest challenge to be as a CODA. “I think my biggest challenge as a CODA is related more to my work. People often have unrealistic perceptions and expectations about CODAs.  As a result, I’m generally not in a hurry to disclose that bit of information,” she shared.  

When asked in closing what message Marilyn would hope to share with those new to CODAs and the Deaf community she shared,

“Whether hearing or Deaf, we all have a story to tell. As a CODA, I’m more than willing to share my story as long as you tell me yours! I think you may find we are much more alike than we are different!” 

Marilyn Brasel Corlett’s story gives us a meaningful look into what it’s like to grow up as a CODA, living between the Deaf and hearing worlds. Her experiences show that being part of a Deaf family is not a hardship, but a gift—filled with love, strength, and deep connections. As an interpreter today, Marilyn continues to build bridges between communities, helping others understand that we’re not as different as we might think. Her honesty helps break down common misunderstandings and encourages others to see the value in every person’s story. In the end, Marilyn’s life reminds us that real understanding begins with listening—with open minds and open hearts.