Powered by Deaf Lens and Unique Expertise
At 2axend, we are a Deaf-owned and operated strategic consulting and training firm working with organizations to improve the user experiences for their Deaf and hard of hearing stakeholders.
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 (DOBE).
Our team of associates combine Deaf lens and deep expertise in accessibility planning, inclusive organizational design, risk management, organizational compliance, and Deaf cultural awareness.
We aim to help organizations center the lived experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals, challenge the status quo, and drive meaningful change.
Our Purpose
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.
We envision a world where universal access and belonging is the standard – not the exception – for over 48 million Deaf and hard of hearing Americans.
As your trusted partner, we provide strategic guidance to implement lasting change and cultivate a sense of belonging for all.
Authentic Representation
We center the experiences of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals as a means of providing strategic solutions to address the unique challenges these individuals face.
Challenging the Status Quo
Together, we reshape industries and practices, fostering innovative solutions for a more accessible world.
Driving Excellence
We deliver exceptional service and unique expertise designed to drive accessibility and create welcoming environments.
Empowering People
We focus on breaking barriers to access and inclusion by fostering an informed culture of excellence where people thrive.
Our Core Values
At 2axend, we are guided by our core set of values that define who we are and how we operate. Our core values are listed below:
Leading with Empathy
As everyone is at a different point in their diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility journey, we are committed to working with our partners to navigate complexities with empathy.
Prioritizing Social Impact
Our work aims to drive measurable social impact, creating a ripple effect of progress that enact positive, sustainable change in organizations and communities.
Representation Matters
We prioritize Deaf and hard of hearing community representation on our team so that we can bring forward a mix of perspectives that ultimately lead to the strongest outcomes.
Championing Progress
We acknowledge that pursuing excellence requires striving for steady improvement and celebrating progress, all while encouraging experimentation, adaptation and collaboration in order to drive change.
Continuously Learning
We believe in fostering a growth mindset where continuous learning fuels a culture of curiosity and adaptability. By embracing this approach, we inspire our partners to reach their full potential.
Challenging Status Quo
While change can be hard and uncomfortable, we believe progress is a result of questioning the current state and actively seeking solutions that foster inclusion and accessibility
Our Story
When Corey Axelrod, our founder and CEO, was a senior in college, his father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare and incurable cancer of the bone marrow. To make matters worse, Corey’s father, Rick Axelrod, encountered numerous challenges when accessing healthcare as a Deaf individual, including being denied sign language interpreters and dealing with culturally insensitive healthcare professionals. This was his daily struggle up until the point he passed away in 2012.
Rick’s struggle during his battle with Multiple Myeloma highlighted the deep systemic barriers that Deaf and hard of hearing individuals often encounter in critical settings. Rick was a dedicated advocate and a beloved figure within the US Deaf community, contributing to many organizations and shaping initiatives that continue to benefit others.
Inspired by his father, Corey founded 2axend in 2017 to break down barriers and advance equity for the Deaf and hard of hearing community. He named the business 2axend to honor his father’s resilience in navigating barriers and passionate advocacy for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.
Are you ready to challenge the status quo?
Partner with 2axend to create lasting change and deliver exceptional experiences for your Deaf and hard of hearing stakeholders.