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USQ: You identify as a student with a
disability, could you tell us a bit about
your condition, how long this has
impacted on your life and the kinds of
barriers you face managing both your
studies and your condition?
Jessica: I’m deaf, and was born deaf
to a deaf mother and hearing father.
Since I don’t know the alternative, I’ve
always managed hurdles by looking at
alternative routes. Sometimes it takes
me longer to get around than most, but
in the end I make it.
USQ: You’ve recently attended the
World Deaf Congress in Istanbul.
How did you come by this amazing
opportunity, and what drove you to
complete the application process?
Social media circulated information
about Deaf Services Queensland’s
desire to take five young deaf leaders
to World Deaf Congress in Istanbul,
including a side trip to Gallipoli to
celebrate the centenary. By the time
I encountered the information, the
deadline was looming. My past
experiences were possibly by a ‘why
not?’ attitude. I had nothing to lose by
applying, aside from time spent away
from my studies. I nearly dropped my
application because my focus was on
my assignments. However, I couldn’t
ignore the pull to finish my application. I
didn’t want to endure the ‘what if?’ The
application essay required making links
between lessons learned in the Gallipoli
campaign and current deaf leadership.
When I received the email stating I was
one of the chosen five, I thought ‘Better
pack your bags and brace yourself’!
Travel is a priority for me, and I wanted
to do my degree externally, so I could
fit my education around my life; not my
life around my studies.
USQ: What was your biggest take-away
from your Congress week?
I came out heavy with knowledge of
the landscape before deaf people of this
world. The landscape is treacherous, but
there are amazing people working to
make it better. Deafness is unique, yet
it is this unique nature that bonds the
members into this community. Congress
taught me many things. One of the
biggest lessons was that it is possible for
change to occur; change is happening
right now and change will always occur
through blood, sweat and tears.
USQ: Did you face any unusual kinds
of language barriers while travelling
through another country?
In terms of communicating with the
locals, gesture and visual communication
worked well. I had to refrain from using
the ‘perfect’ hand shape (forefinger and
thumb in a circle). Instead, I’d put my
hand over my heart and nod my head
slowly to say thank you.
USQ: What was it like travelling with a
large group of people who identify as
having a disability?
It was a riot! Deaf people were
everywhere in Istanbul. If you saw
hands waving in the air in a café as you
walk by, you’d immediately be attracted
to it like a blimp on radar. Deaf people
are a warm kind and love meeting
other people of the community. A
simple ‘What’s your name?’ and ‘Where
are you from?’ generates some great
conversations and better friendships.
USQ: What would be one thing you
wished people understood about
deafness or hard of hearing?
We are still people with dreams,
hearts and stories to tell. Every day we
advocate for ourselves, and we can get
tired from doing it but we do it for the
sake of our community and ourselves.
If at any point, you’re unsure, ask. Our
ears don’t work well, but our eyes,
mind, and hearts work just fine.
USQ: How has USQ helped to support
your journey through study?
I have a great transcriber, Anne. She
types up all my lectures for my reading
(instead of listening). Her lightning
fingers are a lifesaver. My past and
current professors have been nothing
but warm and generous to me, making
my learning a positive experience. I was
also assisted by USQ’s scholarships.
USQ: What are your plans after
graduation?
I plan to continue my academic pursuits
and to engage in research to see how
deaf and hearing actors and theatremakers work together to create theatre.
There are established companies in the
UK and America where some great
theatre is made with disabled people
in the forefront like Deaf West in LA,
Graeae and Solar Bear in the UK.