Introduce yourself.
I’ve been doing lyra and sling for 3 years. In the past, I tried to be involved in more hearing classes with more talking. Sky Sirens is Deaf-aware, and they understand my Deaf world. They understand the barriers that I have faced. I felt connected to that, which encouraged me to be involved. Sky Sirens made me feel accepted, and I can have fun here. Previously, I was only focused on fun, but I wouldn’t mind performing one day. I would need to refine my skills first.
Tell us about your Deafness.
I was born deaf but didn’t understand the Deaf Community. At primary school, most people spoke, and I didn’t really understand it. I started learning Auslan in high school, and I struggled because my identity was in the hearing world and in written and spoken English.
It was a long journey to accept my Deafness, but now I feel happy and free.
Especially after finding Sky Sirens, I feel like I can be confident to approach and communicate with anyone. It is still a journey that I am on, but I am happy.
How does your Deafness affect class?
It doesn’t really affect class, and I appreciate that people understand Deafness here. There is no real negative impact, and I feel safe here. I do notice if a lot of people are talking and I can sometimes feel left out. Sometimes students talk to the interpreter, so I feel a bit left out when that happens. The interpreter is here for me. I can’t hear the music, but I feel most of the vibrations. If I am using my hearing aids, I can hear the music, but I don’t understand the lyrics. If the bass is loud, I can feel the vibrations better.
What do you want hearing people to know?
Just don’t feel sorry for me. Be normal with me. I am a human being. Write to me, or gesture if you are concerned about communication. I don’t bite.
Please just try and don’t be afraid of Deaf people.
