About – AADHH

What We Do

AADHH was established approximately six years ago by parents of Deaf children.

The Association for the Advancement of Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide educational and occupational resources and services to Deaf/Hard of Hearing youth and young adults within the Detroit/Wayne County area.

Dedicated to improving the educational and occupational outcomes of Deaf/Hard of Hearing youth and young adults by creating more accessible educational and occupational experiences.

Our Board of Directors

Khadija Hicks

Cofounder/ CEO/ President

Brief history

1. Biography

Khadija Hicks is a distinguished leader and advocate with over 21 years of experience championing the rights and needs of the Deaf community. As the Cofounder, CEO, and President of AADHH, Khadija has been at the forefront of efforts to empower and uplift individuals within the Deaf community.

Her leadership extends beyond AADHH, as she has served in pivotal roles such as the former PTA President and Vice President at the Detroit Day School for the Deaf. Additionally, she remains an active contributor as a board member of the Detroit Parent Network, ensuring that the voices of Deaf families are heard. Her involvement with the Greater Metro Detroit Lions Club as the Membership Chair, as well as her former role as Parent Guide and Membership Chair for Michigan Hands and Voices, reflects her strong commitment to service and advocacy for the Deaf community.

2. Accolades and Awards

Khadija's exceptional contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Joe Biden 2024 President’s Award, the 2022 Spirit of Detroit Award, and the Michigan Notary Club Award. Her academic background, with a Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Studies and a Certificate in Addiction Studies from Madonna University, further reinforces her passion and dedication to advocating for those in need.

3. Inspiration

A driving force behind Khadija's advocacy work is her daughter, Khyiana, whose experiences have deeply influenced Khadija’s commitment to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. Khyiana’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments for all individuals, motivating Khadija to continue her work and ensure that future generations have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

Through her tireless work, Khadija has consistently empowered and uplifted the Deaf community , making a lasting impact through her leadership and advocacy.

Dawn Pauling

Cofounder / Vice President

Brief history

1. Biography

Dawn Pauling is another standout figure in Deaf advocacy, with more than 30 years of experience making a meaningful difference in her community. As the Cofounder and Vice President of AADHH, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s mission to support and empower the Deaf community.

2. Advocacy and awareness

Deborah’sHer commitment to advocacy extends to her extensive volunteer work, having served as PTA President and Vice President at the Detroit Day School for the Deaf, where she helped support and uplift the school community. Additionally, Dawn is a former Board Member of the Detroit Parent Network, where she worked to ensure that the voices and needs of Deaf families were heard and addressed.

Her involvement with the Greater Metro Detroit Lions Club and the DAD Foundation further reflects her dedication to creating positive change for the Deaf community, whether it’s through service or leadership. These efforts demonstrate her long-standing passion for making an impact beyond just advocacy, extending into her roles as a mentor and active participant in local organizations.

3. Inspiration

Dawn’s pride and joy is her son, Jason, who must be a source of great pride and inspiration for her in all the work she does! Her years of dedication, leadership, and service have clearly left an indelible mark on the community she serves.

Deborah Love Peel

Cofounder/Treasurer

Brief history

1. Biography

Deborah’s commitment to advocacy is reflected in her extensive volunteer leadership. She served as both President and Vice President of the PTA at the Detroit Day School for the Deaf, where she played a vital role in uplifting and supporting the school community. She also served on the Board of the Detroit Parent Network, championing the inclusion and visibility of Deaf families and ensuring their voices and needs were prioritized.

2. Inspiration

And, of course, Dawn’s pride and joy is her son, Jason, who must be a source of great pride and inspiration for her in all the work she does! Her years of dedication, leadership, and service have clearly left an indelible mark on the community she serves.

3. Accolades and Awards

Deborah Love Peel has built an incredible career advocating for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. With over 35 years of experience, she has made significant contributions through her roles as Cofounder and Treasurer of AADHH and her leadership as the President of the Metro Detroit Lions Club. Her work as the Chairperson of the Lions Club's Deaf/Hard of Hearing Committee has further highlighted her commitment to improving the lives of those with hearing challenges.

In 2010, Deborah founded the Love Scholarship for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students through the State Lions Organization, which has provided over 60 scholarships to students statewide—an impactful initiative that has helped many pursue their educational goals.

As an educator at Wayne County Community College, Deborah is not only teaching but also inspiring others to become leaders in their respective fields. She’s also the proud owner of JustJameen, a business where she continues to influence her community positively.

Her background in fashion design (AA), business merchandising (BA), and her pursuit of an MBA reflect her diverse expertise and her commitment to both creativity and business acumen. And of course, her daughter Eboni must be a major source of pride for her!

Deborah's dedication to community service, advocacy, and education makes her an exemplary figure in both the Deaf/Hard of Hearing advocacy space and beyond.

Toni Cannon-Mitchell

Cofounder/ COO/ Secretary

Brief history

1. Biography

Toni Cannon-Mitchell is a passionate and dedicated leader in the Deaf advocacy community, bringing 15 years of experience to her roles as Cofounder, COO, and Secretary of AADHH. A Michigan Hands & Voices ASTra Advocate and former Deaf/Hard of Hearing Parent Guide, Toni has consistently worked to support and empower families within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

2. Contributions and Awards

In addition to her leadership at AADHH, Toni has made significant contributions as a Board Member for Engaged Detroit and served on the Board of Directors for the Metro Detroit Lions Club. Her advocacy work extends into education and healthcare, having held positions as an Early Childhood/Special Education Advocate for Detroit Public Schools, a Hearing Technician/Case Manager at the Lions Hearing Center, and a member of the Bunche Elementary/Middle School Parent Teacher Association. These roles have provided Toni with a well-rounded understanding of the needs of both individuals and families in the Deaf community.

3. Inspiration

Her dedication to service was recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award, a testament to her tireless efforts to improve the lives of others. A driving force behind Toni's advocacy work is her son, Jurmel (MJ), whose experiences have deeply influenced her commitment to AADHH. MJ’s journey is a constant reminder for Toni of the importance of accessible resources, support, and advocacy for all Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

Through her leadership and service, Toni continues to make a lasting impact in her community, ensuring that the voices of Deaf families are heard and supported in every area of life.