191 - Deaf Culture & Real-World Inclusion: What You’re Missing with Maria Gallucci

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Maria Gallucci, a child of deaf adults (CODA), author, and real estate agent, to share her powerful story of growing up between two worlds. Maria opens up about learning empathy, advocacy, and communication from an early age while navigating a world that often misunderstood her family. She discusses inclusion as creating space for authenticity, the importance of accessibility in everyday environments, and how small acts of kindness can change lives. This conversation highlights the unseen barriers many face and challenges listeners to think differently about connection, compassion, and what true inclusion really looks like.

Key Takeaways:

Empathy Early – Growing up in a deaf household builds deep empathy, advocacy, and emotional intelligence from a young age.

Inclusion Defined – Inclusion means creating spaces where people feel safe to be their authentic selves.

Hidden Barriers – Many accessibility challenges go unnoticed until you experience them firsthand.

Small Efforts Matter – Simple actions like learning basic signs or showing effort can reduce isolation.

Representation Counts – Feeling seen and understood can profoundly impact someone’s sense of belonging.

Maria Gallucci’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is having compassion and empathy and seeing people for who they are and letting them be their authentic self.

Maria Gallucci’s Bio:

Maria Gallucci is a multi-award-winning real estate agent and proud CODA (Child of Deaf Adults). Growing up as one of six hearing children raised by Deaf parents, she learned ASL before English and helped her parents buy a home at just 12 years old. This experience shaped her passion for inclusive communication and helping those who are often overlooked.

For over 30 years, Maria has supported homebuyers from all walks of life, with special focus on the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and LGBTQ+ communities. She's the founder of Uptown Realty Group, Gallucci Homes, ASL @ Compass Affinity Group, and ASL Realty- a national platform connecting Deaf & Hard of Hearing clients with signing agents - and ranks in the top 1% of agents in Colorado and top 1.5% nationwide.

Maria serves on boards for Rocky Mountain Deaf School, DOVE, and Colorado Association of the Deaf. Her motto "just try" reflects her belief that meaningful connection starts with one small step. Her debut book Raised in Silence is both a love letter to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing community and a guide for bridging communication gaps.

Connect with Maria Gallucci:

Website: https://galluccihomes.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-gallucci-18725b9/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopASLRealtor?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galluccihomes

Amazon: https://a.co/d/03dVOwy0

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

Yes

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 84

No - 105

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