Post Type: Resources

#DeafSuccess: Michael Epstein, Graphic Designer

I’m a graphic designer for TV and film. I am a member of the ADG which is the Art Directors Guild here in Los Angeles and I work in Hollywood.

#DeafSuccess: Lindsey Schouten, Registered Nurse

I wanted to get involved in medicine, because I noticed when I was little that a lot of people didn’t provide accommodations for deaf people.

#DeafSuccess: Justin Folk, Business Manager

Growing up in my family, my parents were on my side all the way through school. When I was down, my mom and dad would encourage me that I could get through it. To look at the big picture and keep going.

#DeafSuccess: Carlos Aponte-Salcedo, School Administrator/ Counselor

My undergraduate degree was in business management, fitting because I was born and raised in New York City. While in high school, I worked toward a career in business. And I eventually decided to major in accounting.

#DeafSuccess: Eric Nooker, Soil Scientist

I work for the state of Minnesota as a soil scientist. I would say I go back and forth between the deaf and hearing worlds, and then there is the scientific community.

#DeafSuccess: Dr. Chris Moreland, Physician

Today in the healthcare profession, any field is possible for deaf people. We have deaf people who are in the operating room, working in radiology, and delivering babies.

#DeafSuccess: Awet Moges, Graphic Novelist

I’m a simple boy from Eritrea who was fortunate enough to be born to the right parents who stressed the importance of education and moved to America. They saw an opportunity for me to get an education, and that education is the key to where I am today.

#DeafSuccess: Gayle Sanchez, Tattoo Artist

I became a tattoo artist thanks to the encouragement of my cousin. He knew that growing up, I was always drawing, creating all kinds of art. But I had never tried my hand at tattooing. One day he suggested that I consider becoming a tattoo artist.

#DeafSuccess: Elise Knopf, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor

I lived in the dorms for two weeks at Gallaudet University. That was my first exposure to Gallaudet and I didn’t know sign language. It was disorienting!

#DeafSuccess: Cookie Brand, School Counselor

I’m from a large deaf family. I’m actually sixth generation in my family, and my daughter is seventh generation deaf. Based on my experiences growing up and recognizing that home life and that nature versus nurture type of thing impacts the way kids learn helped me realize counseling was what I really wanted to do.

Nida’s Story: Access in Classroom

At law school, it was more challenging because I was living in a different city. So I wasn’t sure if we were going to email, call, or talk through Relay. I wanted to discuss my intake through the phone or email, but they refused and said, I had to come in person.

Nai’s Story: Accommodations

I remember at one meeting, for example, sitting with a group of teachers. The student was in the room, off to the side, while teachers were discussing accommodation needs for that blind student.