In the deaf community, in order to play a role of someone with a hearing loss... you have to have hearing loss.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The deaf community and the hearing community, there's not always a ton of interaction.
The deaf community is in a favorable position because they have a national theatre and training groups of their own to get them started. Deaf actors have often acquired very valuable skills and experience before they get their break.
I'm not a deaf musician. I'm a musician who happens to be deaf.
I have always aspired to be the type of role model who can bridge the deaf and hearing communities.
I like to say that the greatest handicap of deafness does not lie in the ear, it lies in the mind. I hope that through my example, such as my role on 'The West Wing,' I can help change attitudes on deafness and prove we can really do everything... except hear.
We have over 25 deaf individuals in my family.
But as far as my work is concerned, I see no impediment, and various advantages, to being deaf.
Differences among deaf people are okay, but we need to recognize those differences and work together.
There is no relation to sound for deaf people. It is a totally different mental process.
The handicap of deafness is not in the ear; it is in the mind.