HeyU Issue 37 - 16 September 2015 | Page 7

feature 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.