For Deaf and hard of hearing children, books and stories are vital spaces where they can see themselves, feel understood, find community and belonging, and lay the foundation for confidence and identity development that will set them up for success throughout their lives.
How Pop Culture Is Spotlighting Healthcare Accessibility Gaps
As shown on “The Pitt,” when an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter is unavailable or real-time captioning is missing, vital information is lost, leading to diagnostic and treatment delays.
My Turning Point
Today, I wear my “HARD OF HEARING” hoodie proudly because I’m no longer hiding from my hearing loss.
Access Isn’t One Size Fits All
Even within the d/Deaf and hard of hearing umbrella, our access needs and identities vary widely. That in-between space can feel like nowhere—not “hearing enough” for the hearing world, not “Deaf enough” for Deaf spaces.
Using Personal Experience to Drive Change
As someone hard of hearing, I intimately understand the challenges of a world not always designed for me. This drives my mission to advocate for better access and representation.
A Board Game to Boost Communication
In 2018, while serving time in a New York prison, I committed to a path of self-reinvention and education. Despite the challenges of living with genetic disorders, a speech impediment, and a history of adversity, I made the decision to change my life by learning.
Becoming “Hearing Doc Josh”
I love teaching students about cochlear implant technology. The look on their faces when things would “click” or they would solve a puzzle continues to inspire me.
Swag and Spirit
A parent celebrates her son and is teaching others about being hard of hearing, how to help with hearing care, and how there’s no limit to success.
How My Hearing Loss Inspired My Tech Career
Being born with bilateral profound hearing loss to two Deaf parents and having one hard of hearing sister meant a life of constant misunderstandings and questions.
I’m 24 and Have Hearing and Balance Challenges
During my third year at University of Michigan, where I was studying biochemistry and French, I became aware of an unfamiliar, jarring sensation—extreme dizziness. If I closed my eyes for just a little bit, I’d feel my surroundings spinning. It was around the same time I recognized my difficulties hearing in large lecture halls.