“The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind.”-Marlee Matlin.
This month, we honor those who were not afforded the privilege that most of us have, the gift of hearing. Deaf Awareness Month is a time that we celebrate those who walk through life every day without sound. Imagine waking up without hearing the song of birds; imagine not hearing the sound of your mother’s voice; imagine a life without music. People endure this harsh reality on a daily basis. That is why we honor, celebrate, and appreciate them and their contribution to society. While there are many with this disability, it does not stop them from achieving greatness. In honor of Deaf Awareness Month, I want to acknowledge the bravery and excellence that is the deaf community.
Shirley Jeanne Allen lost her hearing at the age of 20 due to typhoid fever. Despite losing her hearing, Shirley continued studying music at Jarvis Christian College and regularly played piano for different audiences. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1966, Shirley attended Howard University to get her master’s degree while simultaneously teaching at the Rochester Institute of Technology. It wasn’t long after that she received her doctoral degree in 1992, making her the first deaf black woman in America to receive her doctoral degree. There is so much that we can learn from Shirley Jeanne Allen. She is an example to all that no matter the disability, no matter the obstacle, the only thing holding us back is our fears. Be like Shirley and overcome your obstacles and achieve what God has planned for you.
As a pianist myself, I simply could not write an article on deaf people who achieved greatness without mentioning Ludwig Van Beethoven. Ludwig Van Beethoven, arguably the greatest composer in history, started to lose his hearing at age 26 and finally became deaf in 1816 at 42. Despite his circumstances, he was one of the greatest pianists and composers in history, composing over 87 works, including sonatas, symphonies, and more. He is another example of how our disabilities do not stop us from achieving what we’re supposed to do in life.
Our final honoree in today’s article is Millie Bobby Brown. Millie Bobby Brown is deaf in one ear; it has been that way ever since birth. Despite her disability, she has done incredible things, such as becoming a successful actor, entrepreneur, and business owner, all while being a teenager! She is another outstanding example that our biggest challenges don’t define us if we don’t let them.
Deaf Awareness Month is a significant time in our society. This month, take time to recognize not only the struggle that comes along with having a disability but the strength that it takes to overcome that and still accomplish great things. We can all learn something from these incredible figures and appreciate everything they have done for our world.
Works Cited
Encyclopaedia Britannica Editors. “Approaching Deafness.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/Ludwig-van-Beethoven/Approaching-deafness.
Popular Beethoven, www.popularbeethoven.com/at-what-age-did-beethoven-go-deaf/#:~:text=With%20some%20stable%20periods%20the%20decline%20was%20continuous,withdrew%20from%20society%20as%20much%20as%20he%20could.
Rev Dr Patricia (Crenshaw) Carroll says: “SHIRLEY JEANNE ALLEN.” Who's Who of Professional Women, 25 July 2018, www.whoswhoofprofessionalwomen.com/listee-features/shirley-jeanne-allen/.
Staff -, INSIGHT, and INSIGHT Staff. “National Deaf History Month.” INSIGHT Into Diversity, 13 Apr. 2020, www.insightintodiversity.com/national-deaf-history-month/#:~:text=National%20Deaf%20History%20Month%20is%20celebrated%20from%20March,education%20history%20dating%20back%20to%20the%20early%201800s.