#DeafSuccess in Work-Based Learning Programs, Signbite #1
The first time I went into work, I was really shy and felt awkward. At first, I didn’t even want to be there. But then over time, I began interacting with my co-workers, talking about how to do the job, writing back and forth, and I liked working there. I learned that one mistake won’t ruin everything. You learn, make note of it, and keep going. Now I’m really good at it.
Access 101: Online Learning
Natasha, a West Indies female with brown wavy hair and brown eyes sits in front of a wall decorated with flowers and a wooden sign with stylized text “family beside us.” Natasha begins signing.
Accommodations 101: Captions in the Classroom
When a film was shown without closed captions, I would ask the instructor if the video was captioned or not. When they indicated they didn’t know, I would ask them to please find out, because, without it, I can’t understand the film. They hadn’t even considered it.
The Power of VR Offices
Another difficult issue is vocational rehabilitation. VR counselors and DOR or the Department of Rehabilitation can really swing the pendulum.
#DeafSuccess: Mona Thalheimer, fashion designer
I talk with a lot of hearing friends now, they’re so happy now – “Now I can text you! Now I can FaceTime!” Amazing! So exciting! Now technology – fantastic. When I was in college – not like this. Much more lf fashioned. Now it’s a different world.
#DeafSuccess: Dr. Zachary Featherstone, Pediatrician
When I enter into the patients’ rooms to do evaluations, assessments and physicals for diagnoses or when developing treatment plans, I have an interpreter in the exam room with me. I place the interpreter behind the patient, rather than by my side where it would create a distraction.
#DeafSuccess: Rebecca Giuntoli, Engineering and Welding Student
My father owns a construction company and has worked in construction my whole life. Growing up, there were always a lot of tools in the garage. I wanted to use those tools to make something on my own and show Dad I could do construction, too. He only gave me hand tools though. He would let me use a saw or a screwdriver, but power tools? He said absolutely not.
#DeafSuccess: Carlisle Robinson, Cartoonist
After I was done with my grad program I had a tough time finding work. I sent out about 40 different job applications. I never once got a response, no matter a huge corporation or a small business it made no difference. It was quite disappointing.
#DeafSuccess: WaWa Warren Snipe, Performing Artist
People may say, “You can’t do this because you’re Deaf. Typically, that kind of statement would cause someone to shut down. They would accept that statement as fact, then find some job that allows them to get by and pay the bills.
#DeafSuccess: Valerie Rose, Environmentalist, Muralist, Artist
I believe art is another way of communicating with the world. Art is communication without words. I can communicate all parts of my background through my art.
#DeafSuccess: Tanya Arriaga, AcroYoga Teacher
When I was a little bit younger, it was a little bit difficult to be open with my condition, So I notice now that if I just go straight out, tell them, “Hey, this is the condition I have. I can’t see. I can only see what’s in front of me. It’s called Usher’s Syndrome. It’s a hearing and vision loss.”
#DeafSuccess: Paul Zeringue, Kombucha Brewer
“During college, did I ever think I would end up in this type of job? No, to be honest. My goals were directed toward biology, so it’s still related.”
