The mission of No Limits is to meet the auditory, speech and language needs of deaf children and enhance their confidence through the theatrical arts and individual therapy as well as provide family support and community awareness on the needs and talents of deaf children who are learning to speak.
In 1996, Michelle Christie-Adams, M.S. ED, a teacher for the deaf with over 18 years experience in the entertainment industry, founded No Limits. Ms. Christie- Adams recognized the lack of opportunities for oral deaf children to improve their speaking abilities in a fun and non-academic setting. Knowing these children can often be lost in the shuffle of the hearing world, Ms. Christie-Adams designed an after-school theater program to help develop communication skills, expand vocabulary and grammar, and understand character development. Through role- playing, cultivating creativity and developing public speaking skills No Limits children began to confidently move in to the hearing world.
After witnessing dramatic improvements in the children No Limits expanded to become a national program. Shows have included oral deaf children in over 10 states with 49 original productions and 30,000 people witnessing the accomplishments and talents of these inspiring children.
With No Limits growing success rates, the program was extended beyond the theatrical arts. In 2002, No Limits began to provide free auditory, speech and language training year-round. Donated by JP Morgan Chase, formerly Washington Mutual, the No Limits Educational Center provides free services to lower-income deaf children in the greater Los Angeles area. As a result of its comprehensive program, oral deaf children are learning essential skills that will allow them to attend college and become productive citizens of society.
The future of No Limits is focused on reaching out to more children across the country and providing services to all in need. In order to continue expansion No Limits would like to thank their generous donors and encourage you to invest in a child's life. Please click on our Donate button for more information.
- Michelle Christie-Adams, Founder, Artistic Director
- Brenna Briski, National Program Director
- Kara Navin, Administrative Assistant
- Richard Martinez, Development Assistant
- Kathy Buckley, Comedian, Motivational Speaker
- Ron Dunner, Astra Oil Company, Inc.
- Adi Greenberg, Performer and Philanthropist
- Craig Grella, Cornerstone Funding Services
- LeAnne Harper, Sony Pictures
- Ken Levinson, Private Consultant, C.P.A.
- Kirsten Mirabella, Coca Cola
- Josh Morrow, Actor
- Beth Price, Oral Interpreter
- Richard Reiner, Commercials Unlimited
- Linda Sallas, Attorney at Law
- Ron Schur, The Galley
- Eli Steele, Filmmaker
- Nugent J. Vitallo, TVA, Inc.
No Limits has been selected as a Semi-Finalist and will be considered as Finalist in the summer of 2007 for the "Coming Up Taller" Award. This national and prestigious award by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and its partner agencies, including National Endowment for the Arts recognizes the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours.
No Limits was the finalist for the "Coming Up Taller" Award. This national and prestigious award by the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities and its partner agencies, including National Endowment for the Arts recognizes the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours.
Culver City Disability Council awarded No Limits as the "Best Nonprofit Organization" for children with disabilities.
Michelle Christie-Adams received the George Washington Medal of Honor by the Freedom's Foundation. Other recipients include Astronaut Scott Glenn and Judge Rehnquist.
Michelle Christie-Adams was honored as the "Top 100 Heroes" in the country by the Volvo For Life Committee for her dedication and commitment to deaf and hard of hearing children.
No Limits was featured on OPRAH as a positive and uplifting program for children.
No Limits was chosen to be the "Grand Service Project" for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
Michelle Christie-Adams was the recipient of the "Citizen Cool" Award by Ben & Jerry's Organization
No Limits won "Best Arts Program in the Country" by Parents Magazine.
No Limits was honored with a "Special Recognition Award" by the California Educators for the Deaf.
No Limits received "Service to Mankind Award" by Sertoma Organization.
No Limits has been the subject of 4 documentaries for its revolutionary techniques in teaching deaf and hard of hearing children.
No Limits has been featured in newspapers and magazines across the country including a three page spread in Newsday, the New York Times, Westside Life, The New Jersey Star Ledger, Parents Magazine & The Hollywood Reporter.
Michelle Christie-Adams won the Heide Mengel Award by John Tracy Clinic during her fellowship program at University of Southern California/John Tracy Clinic Graduate Program.