Being deaf is no tragedy – it’s one of my greatest strengths

I was in junior high when I failed my first hearing test, a mandated screening that took place in the auditorium of our public school each fall. I don’t remember what I was thinking as I stood in line awaiting my turn, but I know I was certainly not thinking my life was about to change.

At the time, I hadn’t really noticed things going quiet at the edges. Even today, having been deaf more