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Deaf TRAIL

Transformative Representation & Advocacy through Inclusive Leadership

A statewide Deaf-centered initiative building the next generation of leaders across Colorado.

About the Deaf TRAIL

The Colorado Deaf & Hard of Hearing Leadership Development Program — now officially named Deaf TRAIL (Transformative Representation & Advocacy through Inclusive Leadership) — is a new statewide initiative made possible through funding support from the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE).

Designed and led by Innivee Strategies, Deaf TRAIL strengthens Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Late-Deafened leaders through a Deaf-centered curriculum, statewide networking, and practical tools to advance communication access, organizational effectiveness, and community impact.

Now, we are honored to bring Deaf TRAIL to Colorado. The goal is simple and bold: to strengthen the leaders who strengthen Colorado’s Deaf communities.

Long-Term Outcomes for Colorado

The program supports statewide goals to build:

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Program Purpose

This program exists to equip Colorado’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing leaders with the skills, networks, and strategic tools needed to advance communication access, equity, and meaningful change across the state.

Leadership Development

Colorado’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities deserve leaders who are confident, culturally grounded, and prepared to guide meaningful change. This program equips participants with the strategic tools, leadership skills, and Deaf-centered decision-making frameworks needed to lead initiatives, programs, and advocacy efforts with clarity and purpose.

  • Build strategic, organizational, and community leadership skills
  • Strengthen decision-making grounded in Deaf culture
  • Lead initiatives, programs, and advocacy with clarity and purpose

Organizational & System Impact

Strong leaders create strong organizations. This program supports participants in developing the skills needed to strengthen Deaf-serving organizations, navigate complex systems, and contribute to a sustainable, long-term leadership pipeline that serves Colorado’s diverse Deaf communities statewide.

  • Improve the effectiveness and sustainability of Deaf-serving organizations
  • Uplift leadership capacity across regions and sectors
  • Support long-term leadership pipeline development in Colorado

Representation & Accessibility

True leadership development must honor language, culture, and access. This program ensures that training reflects Deaf norms, ASL, and lived experience while removing communication barriers and expanding Deaf representation across Colorado’s institutions, agencies, and leadership spaces.

  • Ensure leadership training reflects Deaf norms, ASL, and lived experience
  • Remove barriers through full communication access
  • Expand representation across Colorado systems and institutions

Community Cohesion

True leadership development must honor language, culture, and access. This program ensures that training reflects Deaf norms, ASL, and lived experience while removing communication barriers and expanding Deaf representation across Colorado’s institutions, agencies, and leadership spaces.

  • Ensure leadership training reflects Deaf norms, ASL, and lived experience
  • Remove barriers through full communication access
  • Expand representation across Colorado systems and institutions

Program Structure

Opening Leadership Retreat

January 2026 | In person | Fully accessible
A five-day immersive experience to build trust, skills, confidence, and statewide leadership vision.

Monthly Virtual Sessions

February–May 2026
Interactive ASL-forward workshops developing leadership tools, systems awareness, collaboration, and advocacy.

Graduation & Celebration

June 2026
A statewide celebration honoring participant achievements, leadership growth, and Colorado impact.

Late Nov 2025

Applications open

Dec 2025

Cohort selection

Jan 2026

Opening retreat

Feb – May 2026

Monthly virtual sessions

June 2026

Graduation and celebration

Apply Now
Applications are open to Colorado residents only. If you are a leader or emerging leader shaping Deaf community impact in Colorado, we encourage you to apply.
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