Deaf from birth, Matias Esteban Donoso Tordecilla is a cochlear implant user and an active member of the deaf community in Chile. Matias is the Director of Coclus, a digital platform that connects the hearing-impaired community. He also co-founded Coclus Jobs, a digital platform that connects deaf candidates with more inclusive companies. Matias is an international speaker on innovation, leadership, technology, diversity and inclusion. He has been active in events such as Lollapalooza and with companies including Microsoft, where he helped launch a programming course for deaf children. The CEMEX-Universidad Tecnologica de Monterrey selected him as one of today's 15 most outstanding social entrepreneurs. In 2019, he participated in an international roadshow in Silicon Valley organized by a Chilean company.

IVLP Impact Award Project: 10 Stories of Deaf Community in Labor Inclusion and Education

Through the project, a book was created, "Silencio con Sentido," which contains 10 inspiring stories about deaf people in Chile, covering education, labor inclusion, and entrepreneurship. The book was designed to break down prejudices around hearing disabilities, share stories to motivate the deaf community to achieve their goals, and help parents of deaf children. The book is available for free download through Amazon, Google Play and soon through iBookstore. Learn more about the book here: www.matadonoso.com\

"Their stories [had] a great impact so that more deaf people fight for their rights, learn different ways to overcome discrimination and achieve the life of their dreams." - Matias Esteban Tordecilla

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Matias participated in the IVLP Project The Role of NGOs and Volunteerism in Civil Society, organized by the U.S. Department of State and FHI 360, in partnership with GlobalPittsburgh, Global Ties Iowa and International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles.

Matias' exchange experience led to the development of his IVLP Impact Award Project: "I met the deaf community in Iowa, where I shared with Bob Vizzini, ASL professor at the University of Iowa, as well as keeping in touch with several deaf people residing in the U.S. Along with a visit to Homeboy Industries, I saw the importance and necessity of sharing real experiences to impact people's lives through books, social media communication, and podcasts."

U.S. Communities Visited

Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; Iowa City, IA; Pittsburgh, PA

Country: Chile

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