As a deaf person who has worked with countless interpreters throughout my life, I’ve collected a rather extensive list of experiences—some inspiring, some challenging, but all invaluable in shaping the person I am today.
My journey in the world of interpreting started right at home, with my mother taking on the role of my first interpreter. She was my steadfast guide through the complexities of church and school, and a constant source of support as I was enrolled in a lip-reading and speech learning program. From kindergarten to sixth grade, I found myself on a challenging path, striving to master spoken language and the intricacies of lip reading. Let me tell you—lip reading isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a constant challenge, and it’s far too easy to miss out on the specifics.
It wasn’t until ninth grade that I had my first K-12 sign language interpreter. The years before this were a constant struggle, with my grades steadily plummeting as I grappled with the fast-paced, bustling environment of public school. But having an interpreter in school created a stark contrast to my early years of learning. The arrival of my sign language interpreter in ninth grade marked my “aha” moment. Suddenly, I understood everything, my academic performance shot up, and for the first time, I felt in control of my learning. It was an exhilarating feeling, and a sharp departure from the years of slipping grades and mounting frustration.
This experience underscored the importance of accessibility for me and kindled a fire within me, to ensure that no other deaf child would have to endure the same struggles I had.
The Power of Inclusion
Living with deafness, I’ve often found myself on the sidelines of experiences that many people take for granted. Public events, concerts, school plays—you name it—were all too often devoid of interpreters, and starkly inaccessible to me. I was left in a silence of my own, while the world around me hummed with sounds and words I could not comprehend. It was a reality I had come to accept—a disconnection that, while disheartening, was a part of my life.
But then came a pivotal moment. It happened in the bustling city of New York, at a performance of the play “Wicked”. I called ahead and asked for interpreters, and when I showed up, the interpreters were present. They broke down the barriers of communication which had held me at bay in the world of theater for so long, and made the magic of theater accessible to me in a way I had never experienced before. In that theater, I found myself swept up in the world of “Wicked”, understanding every nuance, every twist and turn of the narrative, and every emotional ebb and flow. I was not just an observer; I was a participant. The vibrant world of theater—which had always seemed to exist beyond my reach—suddenly opened its doors to me, welcoming me with open arms.
The experience was transformative, to say the least. It wasn’t just about understanding the dialogue—it was about feeling included. A few years earlier, I had become a Certified Deaf Interpreter (CDI). This journey allowed me to step into the shoes of an interpreter, and to grasp the rigors and demands of the job from a vantage point I hadn’t previously occupied. As a CDI, I could comprehend the complexities and the nuances of the profession. This dual understanding has informed my work today by deepening my commitment to working hand-in-hand with interpreters, and it eventually steered me towards my biggest venture yet—acquiring an interpreting agency, Hands Up Communications.
A Deaf-Owned Company
When I took over Hands Up Communications, the challenge wasn’t about accessibility. Instead, it was about transforming the company to align with my vision while respecting the legacy it already had. It was akin to redecorating a house to match my taste. The transition from the old to the new wasn’t always smooth sailing, but it’s a challenge I accepted with open arms.
One of the most significant transformations (and certainly the most visible) was to rebrand Hands Up Communications as a deaf-owned company. This wasn’t a superficial change; it was a profound shift in the company’s identity. Hands Up Communications is no longer just a service provider for the deaf community, it’s a company that inherently understands the community’s needs and challenges because it is led by someone from within that community. I have walked this path, experienced its frustrations, and now, I am in a unique position to effect change.
The vision for Hands Up Communications is clear: To make everyone equal and have access to each other. Our mission is to ensure that all interpreters are not just able to do the work, but are highly qualified and certified. We’re not just providing a service, we are advocating for our community, for accessibility, and for understanding.
A Message of Support
As a member of the Deaf community, I share our collective experiences. I am you. I have weathered the same storms and wrestled with the same feelings of isolation and neglect. And have found myself sidestepping certain situations to avoid the discomfort they bring. Drive-throughs and certain restaurants have long been on my list of places to avoid. When it’s just an intercom between me and my order, I know the interaction will be fraught with difficulties. So, I’ve adapted. I’ve intentionally chosen restaurants that are more deaf-friendly, like Chick-fil-A with their employees standing outside taking orders instead of through the intercom and those that pose communication challenges.
These decisions, like many others we make daily, are shaped by our desire to be understood, to be included. But here’s the critical takeaway I want to share with you: Your experiences echo loudly within me because they mirror my own. I am not an outsider looking in; I am part of this community, sharing the same journey. My commitment is to work hand in hand with deaf individuals to enhance accessibility and dismantle the barriers that have been erected over time. I am here, standing with you, ready to work towards a world that understands and embraces the richness and diversity of our deaf community. We’ll confront these challenges together, and together, we’ll make a difference.