DE’JA’S JOURNEY

De’Ja’s story is one of incredible resilience. Born at just 24 weeks and weighing only 1 pound 5 ounces, she began her life as a fighter in the NICU. When she finally came home, her room was filled with the sounds of oxygen tanks and heart monitors. She was born in the back seat of her aunt’s car on the way to University Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, on May 2, 1995. We traveled back to Connecticut, where we knew she would be in good hands with the doctors and specialists at Yale New Haven Hospital. We knew something was wrong with her eyes because she just never looked at us or made eye contact with us; however, it wasn’t until after turning 1 years old that she was diagnosed as blind with no vision at all.

A Different Kind of Voice (De’Ja Girl)

For a while, De’Ja met her milestones just like any other child. She began to speak, sharing her first words with us. But between the ages of three and five, her spoken voice faded. While she stopped using words, she never stopped communicating.

De’Ja has always expressed herself through rhythm and music. She creates beats and sings melodies so clearly that if you listen with your heart, you know exactly what she is saying. She taught us that being non-verbal doesn’t mean having nothing to say-it just means the rest of us need to learn to listen better.

Growing and Thriving (De’Ja Lady)

Navigating the world as a person who is blind, autistic, and non-verbal isn’t easy (I can only imagine), but De’Ja has never stopped growing. She attended ACES here in Connecticut, where she flourished and eventually graduated from high school. Now, at 31 years old, she continues to be the light in our lives and the “Chief Inspiration Officer” of everything we do.

Why We Are Here

Through 31 years of advocating for De’Ja, we realized that the most vital needs are often the ones that go unseen and unmet. Whether it’s specialized equipment, sensory support, or programs that understand the “melody” of a non-verbal life, there are gaps that standard funding and services don’t cover.

Voices for De’Ja Foundation was created to fill those gaps, we donate to nonprofits that work on the frontlines, ensuring that every individual, no matter how they communicate or how they see the world, has what they need to thrive.