Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
![Rosie (left) and Sarah Marsh at university.](/sites/default/files/inline-images/It%20was%20a%20kind%20of%20kinship%20I%20hadn%E2%80%99t%20known%20before%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%A6%20Rosie%20%28left%29%20and%20Sarah%20Marsh%20at%20university..jpeg)
Embark on a transformative journey with Sarah Marsh as she recounts a pivotal encounter that altered her perception of deafness in "A moment that changed me: I thought deafness was a flaw. Then I met clever, wise, funny Rosie."
In 2001, Sarah's university life took an unexpected turn when she met Rosie, a fellow student who, like her, wore hearing aids. Their initial interaction sparked a deep connection rooted in shared experiences of navigating the barriers to being deaf in a predominantly hearing world. Through Rosie's friendship, Sarah discovered a newfound sense of acceptance and belonging.
Sarah's upbringing in a deaf family instilled in her a sense of otherness, leading her to conceal her hearing aids and struggle with feelings of inadequacy. However, meeting Rosie challenged Sarah's preconceptions and normalized her deaf identity. Together, they embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embracing their shared struggles and celebrating their unique perspectives. Through candid conversations and shared experiences, Sarah and Rosie forged a bond that transcended their individual narratives, redefining what it means to be deaf in a hearing-centric society.
As their friendship blossomed over two decades, Sarah and Rosie navigated the complexities of adulthood while advocating for deaf awareness and inclusion. Rosie's unwavering advocacy and resilience inspired Sarah to challenge societal narratives surrounding deafness and embrace her identity with pride. Their enduring friendship serves as a testament to the transformative power of connection and mutual understanding. Join Sarah Marsh on a heartfelt exploration of identity, friendship, and the profound impact of embracing one's authentic self in the face of barriers.
Read: A moment that changed me: I thought deafness was a flaw. Then I met clever, wise, funny Rosie
by Sarah Marsh
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