Kristy Whilden, a Deaf #1 International Bestselling Author, founder and CEO of Hands Up Silent Theatre, and owner of Whilden Publishing, is at the forefront of an innovative approach to the arts, fostering understanding and unity between the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (HOH) communities and the hearing world. Following a decade of music education, Whilden’s life and career took a transformative turn after losing 75% of her hearing due to progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Her journey of resilience and advocacy has earned her recognition, including the prestigious Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award, highlighting her contributions as a change maker in New Jersey.
Whilden’s two ventures—Hands Up Silent Theatre, a nonprofit organization she co-founded with her daughter Hailey Whilden, and Whilden Publishing—reflect her commitment to breaking barriers for the d/Deaf and HOH communities. Hands Up Silent Theatre strives to offer accessible, yet equal, performances that enable both d/Deaf/HOH and hearing audiences to experience art together. By encouraging the learning of American Sign Language (ASL) within the context of theater and fine arts, the nonprofit promotes a collaborative, inclusive experience for all, regardless of hearing status.
Her publishing arm, Whilden Publishing, focuses on telling stories featuring differently abled characters and educating authors on how to include these characters authentically and respectfully. The company emphasizes the importance of research and sensitivity readers to ensure the portrayal of d/Deaf and HOH individuals aligns with community standards.
The release of her new children’s book, Alice’s Colorful New World, marks a milestone in Whilden’s personal and professional mission. The book, which introduces young readers to the significance of American Sign Language and its history in the United States, is a tribute to Alice Cogswell and Laurent Clerc—key figures in the foundation of ASL and Deaf education in America. Whilden aims for the book to serve as both an educational tool and a powerful testament to the importance of language and communication in shaping our society.
“I want children of all abilities to learn about American Sign Language and the historical figures who shaped it,” says Whilden. “Through this book, I hope to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the d/Deaf/HOH community and to inspire the hearing community to engage more with ASL. Every sale of Alice’s Colorful New World will support the American School for the Deaf’s new history museum, with $1 from each book donated directly to this cause.”
As part of her vision to support the d/Deaf/HOH community, Whilden is determined to sell a million copies of the book, with the ultimate goal of donating one million dollars to the American School for the Deaf. The book’s proceeds will support their new museum, which will celebrate the history and contributions of the d/Deaf community.
In addition to her advocacy through Hands Up Silent Theatre and Whilden Publishing, Whilden’s commitment to collaboration and growth is evident in her hopes to work with prominent organizations like Deaf West Theatre and her aspirations to have her students perform on grand stages like Broadway and the Tony Awards. Her ambition reflects her belief in the limitless potential of d/Deaf/HOH performers and the arts’ ability to bring all people together, regardless of hearing status.
The release of Alice’s Colorful New World is a reflection of Whilden’s ongoing passion for ASL education, theater, and advocacy. As a late-deafened adult who has worked tirelessly to promote the integration of the arts into the d/Deaf/HOH community, Whilden is committed to making both theater and literature more accessible to individuals of all abilities. Her book is a call for awareness, inclusion, and respect for the diverse ways in which people communicate and express themselves.
“I believe in the power of education to create change,” says Whilden. “By sharing the story of Alice Cogswell and Laurent Clerc, I hope to inspire the next generation to see the value of ASL and the contributions of the d/Deaf/HOH community in shaping our world.”
With her pioneering work in the arts and her heartfelt dedication to the d/Deaf/HOH community, Kristy Whilden continues to lead the way in creating a more inclusive and accessible world. Alice’s Colorful New World is a testament to her vision, and with every copy sold, Whilden takes a step closer to her goal of supporting the American School for the Deaf’s museum and educating the world about the beauty of ASL.
Further solidifying her place as a transformative figure in the world of arts and accessibility, Hands Up Silent Theatre and Whilden Publishing have recently been named Best in Performing Arts Innovation in the United States of 2025 by the Evergreen Awards. This prestigious award recognizes Whilden’s outstanding contributions to the arts and her tireless efforts to empower the d/Deaf and HOH communities through inclusive performance and literature.
Additionally, Alice’s Colorful New World has been honored as the Best Children’s Educational Book in the U.S. of 2025 by Best of Best Review. This accolade underscores the book’s profound impact on young readers, its educational value, and its dedication to promoting awareness and appreciation for ASL and Deaf culture.
Photo by: Renee Johnson of Renee Lynn Photography
Kristy Whilden’s exceptional work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award, a recognition of her transformative impact in New Jersey. As a #1 International Bestselling Author, Whilden’s influence extends across the literary world, inspiring a greater understanding of ASL and the experiences of d/Deaf individuals. Her work with Hands Up Silent Theatre has helped set new standards for inclusivity, fostering collaboration between d/Deaf/HOH and hearing artists in ways that were once unimaginable. Her vision of seeing d/Deaf/HOH performers on Broadway and collaborating with organizations like Deaf West Theatre reflects her deep commitment to changing the performing arts landscape and providing a platform for all voices to be understood.
For more information, please visit Kristy Whilden’s official TikTok, Hands Up Silent Theatre, Alice’s Colorful New World on Barnes and Noble, Crows Corner Bookshop on Etsy, RCBC News Feature, PBS Interview, Kristy Whilden’s Website, and Kristy Whilden’s Linktree.
The official launch date for Alice’s Colorful New World is set for July 4th.
