2axend is a Deaf-owned strategic consulting and training firm on a mission to propel user-centric experiences for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. As a small business based in the Chicagoland area with a national presence, we are certified by Disability:In as a disability-owned business enterprise.
Our work is personal to us because our team is made up of Deaf and hard of hearing associates – essentially, we are the recipients of the experiences we help clients deliver to our community.
To help organizations promote real change, we work with our clients to focus on critical elements impacting the Deaf and hard of hearing user experience, including accessibility planning, inclusive organizational design, risk management and organizational compliance, as well as Deaf cultural awareness and responsiveness.
Regardless of where you are at with your diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) journey, we are ready to help you ascend.
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2axend’s commitment to quality is achieved by using our proprietary ASCEND methodology, a step-by-step, iterative process designed to drive your organizational initiatives forward.
As no two clients are the same, our dynamic approach begins with documenting and analyzing your current state. With this information, we identify and prioritize strategies and develop implementation plans to achieve your vision of success. In addition to working closely with your leaders at every step of the process, we also look to actively involve a variety of stakeholders, including your Deaf and hard of hearing customers and/or employees. By using this highly interactive approach, we can effectively dismantle the existing systemic barriers and optimize the end-user experience for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals who interact with your brand.
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Get to Know our Founder and CEO
Corey Axelrod founded 2axend in 2017 after observing the challenges his father, Rick Axelrod, faced when advocating as a Deaf individual for his right to quality communication access in healthcare during his tumultuous battle with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable cancer of the bone marrow.
As a member of a multigenerational Deaf family, Corey has been long exposed to the various systemic barriers impacting his family and the greater Deaf and hard of hearing community. Corey is committed to eliminating these barriers and guiding organizations to create equitable experiences for his community.
Corey also currently sits on Northwest Community Hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Council and serves as a member of the ASTM International F43.06 Subcommittee on Captioning Standards. In June 2021, Corey completed his third-term as president of the Illinois Association of the Deaf, Illinois’ leading civil rights organization of, by and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Illinoisans.
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Our Inspiration
Rick Axelrod, the father of 2axend founder and CEO Corey Axelrod, was a spirited and accomplished advocate who is remembered fondly for his avid contributions to a variety of organizations and the initiatives he implemented that continue to impact the lives of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
2axend is a namesake that honors Rick’s continued resilience in overcoming barriers and preserves the Axelrod family legacy of passionate advocacy for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.