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The image shows a dark, textured background, resembling a chalkboard. The words "INSTITUTIONAL REVIEW BOARD" are written on it. The letters "IRB" are stacked vertically on the left side and are colored in a vibrant red, while the rest of the words "INSTITUTIONAL," "REVIEW," and "BOARD" are written horizontally in white, aligned with each of the red letters. The white letters have a chalk-like texture.
August 21, 2025
Corey Axelrod
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The Power of IRB Approval: Turning Stories Into Change

Over the past several weeks, the 2axend team has been hard at work launching a groundbreaking project that aims to ignite systemic change for millions of Deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experience in Healthcare Survey aims to gather valuable insights designed to help improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services for signing and non-signing Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing and late-deafened individuals.

Notably, the survey has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. This marks a crucial step in validating the healthcare experiences faced by over 48 million Deaf and hard of hearing Americans. This IRB-approved survey is more than an experience questionnaire - it’s an impactful opportunity for our community to shape the future of healthcare.

Now, I know “IRB approval” might sound like a dry, technical detail - but it really is a big deal! IRB is the gold standard for ethical research, meaning the personal stories you share will be collected in a way that protects you, respects you, and ensures the results are used reliably and responsibly.

So, what exactly does IRB approval mean?

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent committee established to protect the rights and welfare of individuals participating in research studies. Think of them as a group of experts that carefully reviews research proposals to ensure they meet strict ethical and safety standards. 

IRB approval is critical for an organization's reputation and its ability to disseminate research. This ethical assurance confirms a study has been vetted to protect participants' rights and welfare.

In essence, IRB provides immediate benefits to survey participants: 

  • It protects participants. IRB reviews the survey to make sure every question, process, and detail minimizes potential harm - whether physical, emotional, or social.
  • It ensures informed consent. This means all participants will know exactly what the survey is for, how your responses will be used, and that you can opt out anytime. Plus, it means the survey information will be shared in accessible formats like ASL.
  • It safeguards your privacy and upholds ethical standards. Personal experiences and healthcare details are sensitive, and IRB approval ensures they are handled with strict confidentiality. Your trust is protected through rigorous privacy protocols, while the IRB’s ethical process affirms that the Deaf and hard of hearing community’s stories and rights are respected at every step. 

Reliable and Trusted Data Makes a Difference

IRB approval isn’t just a procedural step - it’s what gives this research credibility with healthcare leaders, policymakers, and the academic community. It’s the ethical seal of approval that ensures the Deaf and hard of hearing community’s experiences are collected with integrity, handled with strict confidentiality, and respected every step of the way. Without it, even well-intentioned research often can’t be published in respected journals, presented at conferences, or used to influence systemic change.

For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Experience in Healthcare Survey, IRB approval transforms the project from a community effort into a credible, citable, and actionable body of evidence. IRB-approval shows that we’ve considered the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of the Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing, and late-deafened communities. Ultimately, it signifies that we’re committed to turning lived experiences into data, and data into change.

At 2axend, we don’t just spotlight challenges. We equip organizations with tangible, actionable solutions they can take to improve services. Every story matters, and by participating, you’re helping to build a case for better healthcare that cannot be ignored. Together, we can create lasting, systemic change.

We encourage everyone in the Deaf and hard of hearing community to take part in this important survey. Your contribution makes a real difference! Take the survey here: https://2axend.com/healthcare-survey/.

If you want to stay up to date on the survey results, please subscribe to our email list at https://2axend.com/updates/.

Corey Axelrod
Corey Axelrod
Corey Axelrod, MBA, is a passionate social justice advocate and social entrepreneur. As founder and CEO of 2axend, he guides organizations to create user-centric experiences for the Deaf and hard of hearing community.

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