by Susan Baird
I am going to write about courage, resilience, hope and perseverance today. This seems to be a theme in today 2020’s world.
We all have dreams. As children we enjoy a carefree time. Sometimes, though, our childhood is not all fun. I remember the time my dad put a phone up to my ear and realized that I could not hear.
When I was fourteen, I found out that I had a moderate to severe hearing loss. I remember struggling at the overnight camp. I was bullied, made fun of and had trouble making friends. I had no idea at that time, but these themes would continue through the rest of my life and I would, as my son says, “just have to deal with it”.
Hearing Loss & Hearing Aids
One of my most exciting memories is hearing for the first time with hearing aids on.
I am sure you have all seen the videos that are available now on YouTube etc. yes it really, really, really is like that. To me it was like there was nothing in your ear and then slowly you start to hear sounds.
I remember naming every sound I heard – like your feet scraping against the floor, the door opening, people in the other room talking etc. Once I had these new hearing aids the world did open up for me.
My dad was always big on education and getting good marks. Although there was no IEP in those days, I decided I would just have “suck it up” and put in the work to get honor marks. I was so happy I made the honor roll for two years. Another one of my most memorable experiences is playing the violin. Again, I had to work extra hard, but the hard work paid off as we had a chance to play at Massy Hall.
In high school I was definitely a nerd and a bookworm, but I loved it. I loved reading and writing and doing the yearbook. The yearbook was a great avenue for my other love art. I enjoyed putting together the layout of photos.
Advocacy
Since high school, I have had many “opportunities” to advocate for disabilities. At Scarborough hospital I went to pick up my mom from the geriatric ward. Of course, they have those doors with the buzzer that says push the button and when you hear the buzz come in.
It was late at night, and no one was around to help me out. After finally being let in by a nurse. I thought this is definitely not right. I had to do something. I contacted the hospital and explained the dilemma. They decided to not only have buzzers but add lights as well.
My advice to anyone these days is to try to make a difference in not only your own bubble but for the future generations as well.
As a person with a disability, life can be very hard. Everyone may hear the pow wow right outside the door at the cottage and be looking out of your bedroom window while you continue to sleep soundly {true story}, but in the “silence” of this noisy world, you may “hear” just what you need to be the best person you can each day for yourself and your family.
About the Author
Susan Baird is a mother of two children, one with hearing loss, the other with auditory processing disorder. She is a new nana of wonderful 4-month-old Layla. She has a successful career as an Early ON facilitator where she has led numerous parenting programs and developed several school readiness and creative puppet programs for families. Susan enjoys reading novels, painting kindness rocks, crocheting and making felt kits for teaching in her spare time.
