Girl Scouts is about more than just cookies—it’s about leadership, connection, and community. And for Troop 8542, these values come with a unique twist.
Recently, Troop 8542 visited the InnoCaption office, and their presence was something special. Unlike most troops, Troop 8542 is designed to support deaf and hard of hearing girls while welcoming all who want to be part of their community. Members communicate in a variety of ways—some use sign language, others speak verbally, and many use assistive devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants, while some don’t use any at all. The troop also includes CODAs (children of deaf adults) and hearing allies who are eager to learn and connect through sign language and shared experiences.
But their visit wasn’t just a chance for us to support them—it was an opportunity to learn from them, too.
No Girl Scout event is complete without cookies, and we were more than happy to stock up on our annual supply. But this was more than a simple transaction.
The girls took the time to teach us how to sign “I like cookies”—a small but meaningful moment that turned an everyday interaction into something special.
At InnoCaption, we know that small changes in accessibility can make a big difference. A simple gesture like learning one sign helped bridge communication in a way that felt natural and fun.
The troop’s visit wasn’t just about cookies—it also became a hands-on learning experience about accessibility and technology.
Janna’s two daughters were particularly fascinated by our display of historic communication devices. They explored TTY machines and steno machines, tools that have long played a major role in communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing community. While TTY machines have largely been replaced by newer technology, steno machines remain essential for providing real-time captioning in accessibility services.
Seeing their curiosity firsthand was a powerful reminder of how technology continues to evolve and support communication access.
Many people don’t realize that Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, was hard of hearing.
She led with innovation and adaptability, using lipreading, written notes, and early hearing aids to connect with others. Her vision created a space where girls of all backgrounds could develop leadership skills, form friendships, and gain confidence.
Today, Troop 8542 continues that legacy, proving that leadership and connection are not defined by how someone communicates.
At InnoCaption, we believe in creating accessible communication solutions, much like Troop 8542 fosters an inclusive space where every Girl Scout can connect and lead in their own way.
Seeing these young Girl Scouts embrace their identities, their communication styles, and their leadership skills was a reminder of why accessibility matters. Every person deserves the opportunity to connect, grow, and lead—without barriers.
Girl Scout Day at InnoCaption was about more than cookies—it was about community, connection, and accessibility.
Next week is the final chance to purchase Girl Scout Cookies this season. If you haven’t stocked up yet, now is the time.
Support these amazing young leaders by purchasing from Troop 8542’s page before the season ends.
Your support ensures that Troop 8542 can continue fostering inclusivity, leadership, and connection—just as Girl Scouts was always meant to do.
InnoCaption provides real-time captioning technology making phone calls easy and accessible for the deaf and hard of hearing community. Offered at no cost to individuals with hearing loss because we are certified by the FCC. InnoCaption is the only mobile app that offers real-time captioning of phone calls through live stenographers and automated speech recognition software. The choice is yours.
InnoCaption proporciona tecnología de subtitulado en tiempo real que hace que las llamadas telefónicas sean fáciles y accesibles para la comunidad de personas sordas y con problemas de audición. Se ofrece sin coste alguno para las personas con pérdida auditiva porque estamos certificados por la FCC. InnoCaption es la única aplicación móvil que ofrece subtitulación en tiempo real de llamadas telefónicas mediante taquígrafos en directo y software de reconocimiento automático del habla. Usted elige.
