From MOSD Student to Attorney, Entrepreneur, and Advocate: Meet Alumni Alex Parker
When Alex Parker attended Memphis Oral School for the Deaf in the early 1990s, he was a young child learning to navigate the world with profound hearing loss.
Today, he is an attorney, entrepreneur, world traveler, and founder of EarCandy (myEarCandy.com), a growing hearing health platform dedicated to making hearing loss feel more connected, modern, and human.
Alex's journey is a powerful reminder that the impact of early intervention extends far beyond the classroom.
Building a Foundation for Success
Born with profound hearing loss, Alex relied on hearing aids from an early age. During his time at MOSD, he developed the communication skills, confidence, and self-advocacy that would become the foundation for his future success.
"MOSD gave me the tools I needed to succeed in a mainstream school environment. It helped me develop strong communication skills, learn how to advocate for myself when I needed help, and feel comfortable navigating new situations." -Alex Parker
After leaving MOSD, Alex attended mainstream schools, graduating from Frisch High School in New Jersey before earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of Maryland and later a Juris Doctor degree from Cardozo Law School.
Today, Alex practices law while also building his own company, EarCandy.
Turning Personal Experience Into Purpose
For much of his life, hearing loss was simply something Alex managed.
That perspective changed when he launched EarCandy, a platform designed to connect people with hearing loss through resources, community, and shared experiences.
"Starting EarCandy is the accomplishment I'm most proud of. For most of my life, hearing loss was just something I managed. Now I'm using my own experience to build something that can help other people."
His work combines his professional expertise with his personal experiences, creating opportunities to support others navigating hearing loss.
A New Chapter
Recently, Alex embarked on a new chapter in his hearing journey.
After wearing hearing aids for 37 years, he received a cochlear implant in his right ear while continuing to wear a hearing aid in his left ear (bimodal hearing) and has been openly sharing his experiences as he adapts to new technology.
"Hearing technology has given me access to experiences, conversations, and opportunities that I might have otherwise missed."
His willingness to share both the challenges and successes of that journey continues to inspire others in the hearing loss community.
Lessons That Last a Lifetime
When reflecting on his MOSD experience, Alex remembers the teachers and mentors who believed in him. One person stands out in particular.
"Teresa definitely made a lasting impact on my life. She was supportive, encouraging, and helped build the determination and foundation that carried into school, my career, and so many other parts of my life."
He also recalls the excitement of meeting Heather Whitestone, the first Deaf Miss America, during a visit to MOSD.
"As a kid with hearing loss, seeing someone who was deaf and had become Miss America was incredibly inspiring. It showed me that hearing loss didn't have to limit what I could achieve."
Advice for Today's MOSD Students
Alex hopes current students know that hearing loss is only one part of their story.
"There will be challenges along the way, but don't let them stop you from chasing big goals or trying new things. The skills and confidence you're building now will take you much further than you realize." – Alex Parker
From MOSD student to attorney, entrepreneur, traveler, and advocate, Alex's journey reflects the lasting impact of early intervention, strong communication skills, and a community that believes in every child's potential.
Thank You to MOSD Supporters
"As an adult, I can see just how much of an impact MOSD had on my life. The communication skills, confidence, and support I received there helped set me up for everything that came after. There are many MOSD alumni like me who are where they are today because people they never met chose to invest in their future."
At MOSD, we believe every child deserves access to language, communication, and opportunity. Alex's story is a powerful example of what can happen when those opportunities begin early.
