My deaf friends made me feel one more of the group as soon as they met me. I’ve had great times with them. Communication has never been a problem thanks to their efforts, expressiveness and sympathy. I wish everyone was lucky enough to meet people like them.
Having a deaf friend throughout these years has taught me that barriers are put by oneself. Seeing how disadvantages can be turned into strengths is one of the greatest lessons I have ever learned.
Whenever we talk about any disability, whether physical or mental, we have many preconceived ideas of what it can be to have a close relationship with that person. I grew up with a deaf person who always listened to me.
When my deaf children were born, the first thing I felt was a great sadness … The second a challenge that has been the engine of my life and the third a great happiness to see how they have responded and the fruit they have borne.
Approaching disability from the job office has been a social and human experience that I would not change for anything.
Greater visual contact to achieve understanding = companionship = effort and desire to excel. People who have formed and had to work double to be where others arrived with half effort = admiration.
Being a deaf person has not been any impediment to develop my university career, my professional work and my life as a mother. I needed the help of my parents, relatives and friends in many occasions but always from affection and with a desire to learn and improve.
