BECAUSE
EVERYBODY’S
AN ATHLETE.
…especially those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. For us, physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to feel connected to our surroundings, our communities and ourselves.
But the world of fitness has stopped short of supporting our unique needs and safety considerations. Enter DEAF Athletic, merging next-level design with sustainable methods to create safety-centric performancewear.
DEFY YOUR QUIET.
Everyone has one: be it the voice in your head that limits you, that one thing that scares you, or the people who underestimate you. By choosing us, you’re not only safer, but inspired to own your quiet—and then defy it.
A FOUNDER
WHO LISTENED.
Dennis Heathfield has run thousands of miles. Biked the streets of Dubai and the backroads of Indiana. Medaled in sprint triathlons and kayaked The Great Lakes. As an athlete and a member of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community, he knows firsthand the transformative powers of fitness—and the serious safety risks.
In talking with others with hearing loss, he affirmed they share these experiences: missing audio cues, not sensing traffic from behind, or simply lacking ways to communicate in real-time with fellow athletes.
Passionate about making fitness accessible to all—and believing it’s key to community-building—Dennis founded DEAF Athletic™, putting beautiful design and safety-first performance above all else.
Prior to founding DEAF Athletic™, Dennis held leadership roles at Cummins Inc. for over 30 years, devoting the final six to DE&I efforts as Executive Director, Inclusion for People with Disabilities & Veterans. When he isn’t out on a run or a ride at home in Charlevoix, Michigan, he’s chasing after his five grandkids.
OUR CORE VALUES
ALL BODIES WELCOME
Inclusion is our driving force. We're a brand that's proudly for all—especially those who identify as Deaf and HOH.
MOVEMENT IS MEANING
We exist to fulfill every body's love of sport—and the deeper connections it creates with others and yourself.
BRINGING OUTSIDERS IN
We build community across borders, celebrate our differences and cultivate deeper empathy and understanding.
GET WHAT YOU GIVE
We're nothing if we don't give back. Our very existence is built on the intention to pay it forward to organizations that share in our cause.
HONORING MOTHER EARTH
We believe athletics are the ultimate vehicle for experiencing our wonder of a planet—and our sustainable practices stand in defense of it.
THE COACHING STAFF
We can't do this alone. We're grateful for these companies who believe in our mission and have helped bring DEAF Athletic to life:
