Kyle Littlepage is an inspiring figure who embodies the spirit of resilience and community. Raised in Austin, Texas, he recently moved to the Twin Cities to embrace new opportunities that diverge from his roots. Born profoundly Deaf to hearing parents, Kyle faced early challenges, as his family didn’t realize his deafness until he was three. After extensive consultations, it was a visit to an audiologist at the University of Texas that confirmed his Deaf identity. With the help of an educational social worker, Kyle’s family learned American Sign Language (ASL), enabling them to communicate effectively.
Over time, Kyle became a trailblazer, fostering connections between the Deaf and hearing worlds. He had a profound influence on his younger brother, who also became Deaf, and maintained friendships with hearing peers throughout his education. His passion for theater blossomed in high school, where he earned honors as a Thespian from the International Thespian Society, and he later pursued his love for pantomime under the mentorship of the renowned Bernard Bragg at the International Center on Deafness, the Arts & Education (ICODA) in Chicago. Kyle performed across Texas and beyond, breaking barriers with his artistry.
Before relocating, he successfully ran "Casey’s New Orleans Snowballs" in Austin for 15 years, a business that stood as a symbol of collaboration between Deaf and hearing individuals. His journey in entrepreneurship taught him the importance of empathy and understanding, bridging the gap between two worlds. After navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, he turned his focus toward mentoring the next generation.
Kyle has worked as a substitute teacher and mentor for both Deaf and hearing students, emphasizing empowerment and connection. He believes deeply in nurturing the potential of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing children, seeing each interaction as an opportunity to instill resilience and understanding.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Kyle has a range of personal interests. He enjoys collecting rocks, stamps, and trading cards, as well as hiking and geocaching. His beloved pet box turtle, Tammy, has been a cherished companion for 28 years. As a proud single father of two CODA children, he navigates the joys and challenges of parenting while reflecting on his own experiences.
Currently, Kyle works as a paraprofessional at Metro Deaf School and serves as an Outreach & Civil Engagement Specialist at the Minnesota Commission for the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing. He is also actively involved in the Minnesota Deaf Queers community and Deaf Equity initiatives. Kyle’s passion for storytelling plays a crucial role in his advocacy, as he believes sharing experiences strengthens community bonds and preserves Deaf culture. He looks forward to contributing to Deaf festivals, theater performances, and sports leagues, continuing to make a meaningful impact in his community.
Kyle shares the following advice: "Being deaf is not a limitation, but a testament to your strength. You can do anything, live your dream life, and break every barrier. Show the world your true self, for you are a vital part of it."
The #CanDoAnything campaign showcases people who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing at work, giving them an opportunity to share what they do at their jobs and explain how communication access works for them. This campaign shows what our community can do, which is anything!
