Deaf and Blind: Being Me Heather

Fifty-nine-year-old Heather Lawson is deaf and blind. She's been through periods of extreme loneliness and isolation, but by becoming independent through orientation and mobility training has helped her to be heard in a world she once felt she wasn’t part of.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.
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[@HotTakeAndy]

Being able to feel sign language blows my mind.

[@byram1]

Right !! I’m fascinated

[@andicarusfell8387]

I would never be able to interpret it. It looks complicated but I wish I could

[@queenawoodland6985]

Ikr! I can barely understand it just looking at it lol. Guess practice does nearly make perfect.

[@oriiva1246]

Yeah it's AMAZING

[@queenawoodland6985]

Adam wow that’s amazing

[@lucien8467]

she decorated her cane with a little hat and if that's not the most wholesome thing ever then i don't know what is

[@ethank5681]

Lucien she paid $10 for that. The shop ripped her off

[@chloesungur5326]

@@ethank5681 still it made you smile at the end didnt it

[@horsepuncher95]

@@ethank5681 You can literally see the cut where they remove the benign moment where they get their change why would they keep that in

[@ethank5681]

Calvo Tama I’ve been to that shop they are a rip off mate pipe down

[@horsepuncher95]

@@ethank5681 Sure you have lol

[@luxurypetscz]

The man who helped her into the train waving back at her to say goodbye and then realizing how stupid that was was the cutest thing ever

[@BezzasDiaries]

I think the thing to remember too is there are varying degrees of deafness and blindness. Some Deafblind people may be able to identify a wave goodbye close to the face, or only at a certain distance or only if the communication partner is in their peripheral vision. It’s best to ask the Deaf, Blind or Deafblind person how best to communicate with them. They key is to try! :)

[@krazyspartanodst]

BezzasDiaries no

[@mrfriendlolo4971]

@@BezzasDiaries I really want to learn sign language so I can be more help to those who need it most

[@johncloois3301]

He realized it? I don't think so, he didn't seem shocked to me.

[@klarabarunovic9841]

How do you know that he feels stupid,they haven't shown him after he waved long enough for you to know...

[@Batman.-]

Instead of learning Spanish and french at school I feel like learning sign language would be better, at least the basics

[@xeienar]

Why not both? sign language is useful and should be at every school to a minimum level to help other people but it is very important to be taught with a second or third language, specially in the early years, it really helps you understand the world you live. You could also use sign languages in other countries! they have very little differences.

[@Batman.-]

FireAdrix I agree! But I feel sign language should be prioritised more

[@burntpieceoftoast4148]

I was very lucky to have gone to a high school that allowed students to learn ASL. I took three years of it instead of any other language. Loved it!

[@apotato6278]

​@@Batman.- I'd have to say foreign languages should be prioritised more than sign language. Sign language is usually created with your culture in mind. For kids who grow up in fairly homogeneous nations it can be a really formative experience to learn about the wider world. If you grow up with only one culture, one language and one way of life there's a chance that kid will view his/her own culture as the only "correct" one, discrediting anything foreign because it isn't what he/she is used to (and can become a pretty nasty person if they ever have to deal with a foreigner). This can more easily be prevented if they learn early on that every culture has its highlights and that every language is as meaningful as theirs. Let's take an example: Trust. Trust comes from Old Norse but at some point the meanings diverged. In English "Trust" means "confidence" but in the Norse homeland of Scandinavia "Tröst" became "to comfort"/"to console". Instead the Scandinavian word for "trust" is tillit. When first seeing it it's just a foreign word like any other but we can deconstruct it. It's a merger of 2 words, namely "Till" (to) and Lita (believe/have faith) meaning you entrust the other person with your faith. If you look closer you notice something even more interesting, it's a palindrome, it's the same word even if you spell it backwards. To Scandinavians trust can therefore only be mutual, it must go both ways or else it can't exist. The word itself becomes meaningless if one side lacks trust in the other. Sign language can be learned later in life. It's good to know if you ever happen to encounter a deaf person (if all else fails i guess you could write to them on your phone) but giving kids an appreciation for foreign culture early on is important if you want society to function.

[@MrSqurk]

If sign language isn’t a single language, if it were standardised I would agree with you.

[@Haljem]

It's horrifying to think that some time ago this lady would have been confined to an asylum and not taught any skills to express herself or participate in life.

[@HandleThiSS88]

Not even that long ago either

[@sassybatchz]

Yeah I before I clicked on this video I was actually watching a video about the plights of deaf people in parts of Africa. Some of them are trapped inside their own minds and never get to learn how to communicate, and/or they are treated like they're less than human. Thankfully a lot of us are privileged with education, new technology, and a society that (for the most part, we have a long way to go) is accepting of people's disabilities. Not to take away from this woman's story because she's incredibly strong and amazing, it's just crazy how far parts of society have come in terms of medical and social understanding of these kinds of conditions.

[@sassybatchz]

@Cheryl it's funny that you say that because I had actually looked that up after reading a comment in the previous video, and was super interested and perplexed to find out that deaf people can think in sign language. I've never known a deaf person so I guess that thought never crossed my mind before. With that I can only imagine the kind of torment and emptiness that someone goes through when they're born deaf and never taught a language

[@cooliipie]

Now savages want to abort her kind

[@SimGirl00]

Helen Keller who was born in 1880 was deaf and blind since the age of 2 she learnt how to communicate etc and even wrote a book about her life!

[@JJordan1012]

Remind me to never complain again.

[@buksiblingsfun8906]

JJordan1012 yow suffering aint a contest

[@averagedude9378]

@@buksiblingsfun8906 The point they were making is that they're problems are nothing compared to the person in the videos so you're point doesn't really make sense.

[@buksiblingsfun8906]

AverageDude #937 my point is it’s okay to complain. Even if other people have it worse than you.

[@averagedude9378]

@@buksiblingsfun8906 Sorry, i interpreted your comment as saying the opposite. It thought you were saying that you shouldn't try and show off how much more you suffer than others by complaining. Sorry for the misunderstanding. Have a great day!

[@buksiblingsfun8906]

AverageDude #937 Back at you

[@getmotivated1707]

My mum is deafblind, thank you for showcasing that deafblind people can communicate and participate :)

[@coagulatedsalts4711]

how is she? :)

[@straykids143_love]

Thank you my cousins friend is deaf

[@straykids143_love]

And he's my friend too

[@lapizza7175]

I hope that shes going good!

[@godislove7500]

Also, reading the bible out loud healed my neck, my bones, joints and whole body felt very much stronger too. I believe it can heal anything so do it every day, look up healing scriptures online or read any of the bible, it's all good to read.

[@occultbass]

She should sell her clay sculptures! I would totally buy one, & it would be a great way for her to make a living!

[@diabolicaldebacle]

I would too

[@LL-000]

Sold sold sold

[@joatanpereira4272]

Yess

[@heathercommonsense377]

I could also see her molding or carving canes & giving them flare and character for potential buyers.

[@annebutnotreally2209]

The government wouldn't give someone deaf AND blind any funding for 5 years? Damn.

[@maddie7414]

Yeah,no kidding. They are the ones who have the most difficult time getting a job.and I wonder if there are a lot of extra expenses they'd have to pay , for interpreters,maybe helpers who live with them, extra helping aids.

[@mariakara2419]

annebutnotreally yup bs :/

[@emmanuellyloyola2030]

She literally cannot navigate day to day life without help yet let's not help her

[@tearsfordears]

@@cryptocoin5318 theyre in australia, is it the same there? the way youve written this sounds very american

[@tearsfordears]

@The Big Game Theory theyre fucking HUMANS you ignoramus. this is not the 1800s where we just ship off deaf, mute, and blind people to facilities to rot. they can have fulfilling lives if given the correct opportunities.

[@skykidpastel6419]

I can’t get over how the man at the train waved her goodbye

[@justahuman9273]

same^^

[@summersys]

Lmao it’s the thought that counts i guess.

[@foxemartin]

Social programming.

[@CodyAnderson333]

lmao I thought the same thing

[@wal_a]

looooooool me too was cute though

[@mui3441]

the fact that she named and dressed up her cane is the cutest thing

[@babyhilts]

I really wish that sign language was taught in schools as a mandatory subject. Make things so much more accessible and inclusive

[@babyhilts]

@@frostyanimations126 It's not useless just because you don't run into a deaf person everyday. It's not some dead language that no one uses. It literally breaks down this barrier between people and makes it a hell of a lot easier for deaf people to be able to communicate with hearing people without having to resorting to a pen and paper or their phones. Imagine being in an accident and you're trying to communicate to EMS workers how you're feeling/what's wrong but they can't understand you because they don't know ASL. Learning another language, especially ASL(or your country's equivalent) isn't useless.

[@ummmmm1636]

So we would have to learn every other language to help OTHERS TOO i get what youre trying to say but come on now.

[@babyhilts]

@@ummmmm1636 Literally did not say every other language. I'm talking about one other language being taught in schools.

[@ummmmm1636]

@@babyhilts ik that, imjust saying that even if we were to learn SL, there are so many other foreign people that dont speak our language, too.

[@babyhilts]

@@ummmmm1636 But these people aren't foreign. There are different types of sign language for different countries. ASL is American Sign Language, so if you live in America that's what you'd learn and majority of deaf Americans would speak that. So they're not foreign people. And in the case of foreign people from other countries having to learn the language, that's different. They're coming to a foreign country where they would have to learn the language. Deaf people don't have the same options as hearing people. In the grand scheme of things, learning your country's sign language or at least having it taught at a young age in schools, would be a great thing. I mean, they teach babies types of sign language to communicate and better understand their needs.

[@SaadKhan-pm1tm]

Being blind + deaf, that is simply scary. The woman is remarkable.

[@barbaravyse660]

I wonder how such a person occupies their time since they can’t read, listen to music, watch tv, etc.

[@nomam7358]

@@barbaravyse660 omg i ddn thnk of it😭😭😭😭

[@nomam7358]

@@barbaravyse660 i hope maybe the cochlear implant helps smhw

[@aub9769]

especially being so vulnerable

[@nomam7358]

Me2. Its so heartbreaking, like imagine how quiet itl be. She is really trying her best shame. I hope she talks to God more🙏🏽❤️ so she dsnt get depressed 😢

[@trevisaur9763]

It really breaks my heart that she can't see how amazing her bangs are.

[@byram1]

😂😂

[@marisadaniela6]

Yes, she's lovely

[@georgewang2947]

They’re bangs, they’re great. Congraduritos.

[@lotusauer4785]

She can still feel her hair and she does.. I’m sure she knows when her hair looks nice and when it’s starting to get messy

[@jeeperscreatures]

Dumbest comment ever

[@ITI-xi5zx]

this woman is a national TREASURE. the way she decorated her cane made me just melt what a sweet, courageous, inspirational woman

[@willow2290]

When I was in hospital aged 11 for spinal surgery there was a girl in the bed next to me and she was deaf, blind and couldn’t talk. She was an absolute inspiration as she always had a smile on her face as she enjoyed feeling felt the vibrations on her mobile radio🥰 I was in a lot of pain for months but she honestly kept me going with the happiness she radiated out. Truly amazing 🤩

[@heathercommonsense377]

Makes me wonder if touch vibrations could be used to communicate using Morris code or something similar (using switches.) 🤔

[@eboone]

morris code lol

[@RusinaEk]

Oh my God, it's amazing and so scary...

[@amberp.3189]

I feel like everyone should learn at least basic sign language

[@andicarusfell8387]

Quinn B I wish my school had it. I tried to learn it on my own but it’s quite challenging.

[@kiaharper7172]

YES!!

[@queenawoodland6985]

Agreed, if should be a fundamental skill. I think it’s important even if you never interact with someone who uses it.

[@piaostacchini7843]

At my old school we had someone in our class who has bad hearing, she want fully deaf but she couldn’t hear us talking. Anyway, our teacher was very old and her sister was deaf so she new sign language. Our teacher would ask anyone who wanted to learn sign language to stay back 10 minutes at lunch time. Everyone in our class. stayed back everyday and after 3 years, we could all have long deep conversations with the girl in our class. It’s been about 5 years since I last was in that school and learning sign. Since then I have learnt more and I can have conversations, interact and understand sign. I volunteer regularly to teach craft classes at a deaf school it’s so much fun interacting with the children there, I love it, but it sure is hard to keep up with someone talking to you in sign when they’ve been doing it all their life 😂

[@bananamilk2263]

Every sign language is different here is Australian sign

[@Hollablackgirl93]

I love how she just walks up to people, hold on to them and they walk her across the street. This is what life is about. Just simple things; like helping each other.

[@yippehanako]

@Aiden Ashworth lol soooo edgy. Being 13 doesn't last forever

[@seabassmoor]

@Aiden Ashworth Are you deaf or blind? I think not.

[@lofibaysmrxoxo]

Unfortunately though I'm one of those really skittish people that get jarred or scared easy, and someone touching me like that suddenly with no verbal communication I would freak out.

[@ellieblunden1463]

@@lofibaysmrxoxo okay but then you'd likely realize the situation and help her. It's not that hard lol.

[@ellieblunden1463]

@Stygian HD a might touchy today, are we? Not everyone is as horrible of a person as you.

[@michi-qt9yq]

beautiful langauge. she’s literally functioning without 2 senses imagine how smart she is to do that wow.

[@tarantulastan]

The two most important ones aswell

[@GoodPersonTestWebsite]

I'm honestly shocked that there's enough deafblind people to have a local advocacy group. I had no idea! I thought this was extremely rare. Learned something knew!

[@livieegee]

It's pretty amazing how she can travel alone. What a strong woman

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks Livie Gee for watching

[@musa2775]

Makes you really think when someone says, "Oh my gosh, I could never eat lunch alone!" Our perspective of isolation, strength, and persistence is so limited when we're hearing and sighted.

[@mar8014]

i have lost my brain and feel suicidal because I feel confused and don't know how to do anything thats meaningful. I have profound short term and long term memory loss. Makes it hard to remember, socialize-talking, being creative.

[@musa2775]

Marianna Tsemekhman Hi, Marianna, I just saw your comment and wanted to just say hello. I'm sorry to hear you're feeling that way. Are you in touch with any support groups or resources? Don't forget that you do have value! Learning to navigate with limitations is confusing but you matter and you will get through this difficult time.

[@mar8014]

what exactly is so valuable about me? U don't even know me. I have profound memory loss can't even read or write a poem.

[@gatozarin]

That’s the the closest to perfection an interpreter can get. The intonation she uses to communicate the emotions of Heather is just astonishing... thank you very much, it’s a delight to hear!

[@DylanRomanov]

Gabriel Tozarin I was really impressed with her

[@horsepuncher95]

Stole the words in my mouth!!

[@cynthiagildea-dixon314]

Their communication is so fluid... It amazes me how fast she's able to read the signs with just using her hands fo feel and also how much emotion the interpreter is able to communicate for her... That must take a lot of practice and patience on both parts, that, and a pretty spectacular bond formed over time.

[@oktovria]

ikr

[@youtuba6711]

She's absolutely incredible!!

[@laura-sandy1492]

This was absolutely fascinating. I am totally blind and without sounding patronising, I genuinely don’t know what I would do if I were told that I would lose my hearing as well one day. I rely on it so much given that I don’t have sight so it just amazes me how she’s able to function without both of those senses. Absolutely incredible.

[@Atsuhiko8888]

I'm guessing you wrote this with braille?

[@crustbucket2725]

@@Atsuhiko8888probs text to speech

[@Mabel-wi6fy]

❤ do u have a room mate.?

[@laura-sandy1492]

@@Mabel-wi6fy Uh no why would I?

[@laura-sandy1492]

@@Atsuhiko8888 no, text to speech which is on every device these days. But I do also read and write braille.

[@clevelandexplorer2221]

She's a beautiful woman, especially overcoming depression like that. You're an inspiration, heather

[@MsTergelsar]

The way she decorerated her cane made me smile. she is such a strong and inspiring human being.

[@alvallac2171]

*decorated

[@angelsqt]

@@alvallac2171 really? Shut up

[@Needformadness2]

It never fails to amuse me when people think disabled people’s mere existence is to inspire people.

[@angelsqt]

@@Needformadness2 I think you'll find that they mean how she coped with it

[@juliea9833]

I can see and hear, yet I feel anxious going places alone. Here she is, no sight or sound, and she's traveling alone. I wish I could have half the confidence she has in doing that. Amazing

[@nonyabidness5708]

You can... You just have to work at it! 😊

[@melissabullock5907]

I agree anxiety is not fun but we have to work on it... and she's amazing

[@marisadaniela6]

I am very shy and afraid of social situations. I am hoping i can get the better of it, as well. She is so wonderful, how brave she is. I feel stuck in my fear

[@nonyabidness5708]

@@marisadaniela6 Feeling something is okay... But you can push through it with the right tools! Keep trying! There will be failures and successes... The latter will be worth the former. ❤

[@marisadaniela6]

@@nonyabidness5708 thank you so much for your encouragement! Very kind of you.

[@OriginalKarasu]

im a 30 year old male and within 2 minutes watching this i felt lie crying.... we just have to be so grateful for what we have, really... i hope shes ok ;'(

[@Dan_The_Dude]

when she put the hat on Golfie and danced him around i lost it, what joyful spirit

[@lindsaylavender9110]

It’s so clever how she turns the wallet upside down intentionally. At first glance, it may look as if it was a mistake, but she uses it as a tool to see if people are trying to communicate and if they are paying attention to her. Again, I just think that is so clever!

[@jubileeYAVEL]

ikr!

[@_adamshaaban]

Ikkk like wow

[@loftyradish6972]

I'm so shy I would probably tilted my head until I could read it before correcting someone by physically touching them, lol. I am a bit of a muppet.

[@surjitkaur3285]

What an inspiration! To travel alone im just in awe. Fearless, extraordinary, and smart, well played lady 👏👏 well played. God dealt you a hand and you bluffed your way to the top of the game, smashing it. Love you and wish you every happiness.

[@Rumaluna]

Every relative ever: „oh you have grown. I remember when you were so small“ Even being blind and deaf doesn’t stop you from that dropping that line

[@ln14517]

I hope she's doing okay during COVID. I imagine there is a new set of challenges

[@chloep8808]

I thought the same thing! I hope she got all the support she needed. Truly inspirational

[@SHA-ku9st]

I love her. She’s so confident, walking out there in the city without seeing or hearing anything. She’s an extraordinary human.

[@momokoishida5402]

I love that she's able to trust ppl and have the confidence to approach ppl. Despite the way she was treated at school. She embraces ppl. I love her.

[@WittyMick03]

people

[@lotusauer4785]

100% blind peoples struggle in the US when they’re on their own, so many people especially on the streets will take advantage of that disability. Some places are great and not everyone is evil but I worry for blind deaf people who don’t have somebody to watch out for them in less safe spaces. I wonder if they offer some sort of martial art or self defense course for blind people??

[@Amateur_Pianist_472]

Lotus Auer nah australia is just better.

[@lotusauer4785]

Bola Oladapo your thought process tells me you don’t have much of one.

[@maya_jones3411]

@Momoko Ishida. I know this absolutely stunning young woman who is a model but was born both *completely* deaf-blind and is also mute. Makes me bet anyone, especially men would be happy if a very beautiful woman like her randomly walked up to them and held their arms lol.

[@junbh2]

I'm impressed by some of the little tricks and adaptations she uses as she goes about her life. E.g., I wouldn't have thought of holding up a note upside down on purpose to force people to reach for it to turn it around, so she knows they're reading it. It's a little thing, but clever.

[@SadeWithTheReceipts]

I MISSED THAT..WHAT WAS THAT ABOUT?

[@Jlna_]

@@SadeWithTheReceipts it's around 5:20

[@StarAnnasDream]

junbh2 ikr!??we have no idea how thankful we should be and how extremely Blessed!

[@whi2gan]

YEEESSS that was my fav part!!

[@holdmybeer]

you can tell how smart she is by how qurious and brave she is.

[@bbj4613]

Put some ear plugs in my ears and shut my eyes and thought to myself “imagine not having the choice to see or hear ever again” what a very dark world indeed, she makes the best of her situation and is so inspiring . I must be more grateful

[@alshimaamahmoud2658]

I feel u

[@ChangeIGYB]

"Thank you for being my friend" got me in tears.

[@Shemustbetheone]

I cannot begin to imagine living a deaf-blind life. Being trapped in my own head would drive me insane

[@Kyriebby]

Don’t you think we’re all trapped in our heads, whether or not we are sighted?

[@jussi2544]

Yeah especially now when I'm 16 I couldn't communicate to anyone

[@l3p3]

@@Kyriebby Exactly my thought!

[@owencampbell7956]

jennifer bravo id kill myself for sure. Even losing one of those senses I’d probably kms

[@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335]

@@owencampbell7956 Yea bro me to. Can't even live like that. But just using one senses it will still suck but you shouldn't do what you just said you know

[@whataboutredlorry]

The way she was treated at school by her teachers and other students makes me so mad. She was deaf and starting to have visual problems and they teased her for that! something she could not control and felt scared by. how truly awful.

[@tallgrasslanestitches6635]

I agree. Usher’s can affect balance too, and to mock someone because of that is unspeakably despicable

[@hollydolly286]

I wish this lady could understand how amazing she is, she's a total inspiration

[@kelsieallan7797]

A huge thing this shows is just how much deaf blind people have to trust strangers, to literally hold someone and hope they will be a good person and help you safely across the road, or on a train, pretty terrifying and amazing, what a fantastic woman!

[@PirateKing1256]

This is incredibly risk taking. People can be good or bad.

[@emhoj97]

I always imagined being both deaf and blind as this impossible thing that had the people close to vegetables and completely helpless. I could understand being either deaf or blind, but not both. This video completely changed my understanding of it and now it makes much more sense.. I'm a bit embarrassed with how I thought of it before. So thank you for making and uploading it!

[@terminalfrost3645]

You're forgetting she wasn't blind when she was born, people can be born deaf and blind and that would be much more difficult.

[@jasonvoorhees8899]

@@terminalfrost3645 I thought about the same thing

[@adolphinler6628]

rika who cares id still kill myself if i had both

[@MeggieR]

Your awareness and understanding have improved with time, and that is a very positive thing.

[@mollytaylor8122]

I'm sure this is exactly the type of response she was hoping for on this video! :)

[@BesaOMC]

I really hope she's doing well during this pandemic and being cared for. I can't imagine how much scarier the world is now and how isolated she could be.

[@mothmaru]

Especially since she uses touch to communicate and navigate the world

[@himynameis3102]

Caregiving is exempt so she can still get the care she needs (hopefully!). She’s an inspiration.

[@BesaOMC]

@@himynameis3102 It's good to think she's still getting the support she deserves, but she was so active before. Now it must be her alone for most of the time :( xx

[@mothmaru]

Kasey Lacey I hope her caregivers had different strategies than my system during the outbreak :( I wasn’t allowed to see my clients in person at all

[@BesaOMC]

@@mothmaru They reduced care here in the UK too but it was for those who had no support systems and were desperate. I'd hope she qualifies. Thank you for the work you do Mary, even if you weren't allowed, thank you for continuing after the outbreak and before.

[@JillianNoelle]

Sign language, hand sign and Braille are the best thing ever created.

[@naimanura]

The fact that she developed a way to get peoples attention by holding the writing upside down is really mind blowing and it really shows u not just huamns but all creature somehow develop a way to deal with life and survive

[@alexanderying1558]

I can’t imagine being deaf and then being told that you’re gonna lose your eyesight too...

[@mjm3091]

At least you wouldn't have to hear people around you being condensending about how sorry they are for you. There are always good sides in any bad thing.

[@Untoldanimations]

@@mjm3091 Patronising? Maybe. Condescending? Nah

[@mjm3091]

@@Untoldanimations that's what you get when you're not English native and are too lazy to check for better words xD

[@lapizza7175]

Hard times

[@lapizza7175]

Or reverse. Being blind and losing your hearing

[@euminxniumthescottishone1891]

This lady is deaf blind buys a hat for her cane and makes the common 'you've grown' line every family has. This lady is a god. 😂

[@cindyweir9645]

What an amazing woman. I read Helen Keller’s biography as a child. Silly me, I thought She was the only deaf blind person alive ever.

[@cooswillemse7551]

My sister is deaf but thinking of her losing her sight freaks me out so much. It is the ultimate disablement which I just can’t get my head around . Still happy to live ....these people are bravest of all brave people

[@tracishea5053]

I 'bout cried when the interpreter said, "I love to make people laugh." She can neither see nor hear a laugh. A true altruistic moment. If everyone had such generosity, the world's problems would be solved.

[@Fragrantbeard]

tracishea oh my God, I didn't really think that through. You're so right.

[@WendyLopezGazquez]

Love your thought process! You are so right!

[@kotonohakatsura6930]

:)

[@eriknestaas2270]

Heather said that, not the interpreter. You're not supposed to acknowledge the interpreter.

[@tracishea5053]

@@eriknestaas2270 This is a KZbin comment section, sweetie, not a TDD conversation.

[@Chobaca]

Deaf blind and still leed a more active life than me...

[@nonyabidness5708]

You have the power to change that!

[@cici-tl9kq]

y u making this all about u

[@marcocampobello7981]

me too

[@tdvwx7400]

Words cannot describe the strength and resilience of this woman. This is so heartwarming.

[@hrfdude4234]

4:42 the man waving back is so precious

[@juliacamara8565]

I know this woman won't read my comment, but, as a new deaf, I thank her, she gave me hope to fight. ❤

[@qwertzuiopasdfish]

Julia Camara thank you for being on youtube and sharing your story, you are awesome!

[@MimiWalburga]

Why are you so sure she won't read it? If I had a documentary about me uploaded to KZbin, I would make sure to check out the comments. She has interpreters/assistants to help her with stuff like that ^^

[@cymbala6208]

I am not sure, but aren't there any devices that translate computer text into braille?

[@ceruleanfox]

💕💕

[@zebrobbins5403]

You inspire me to find a field in medicine to pursue people like yourself. Keep being wonderful, always fight the good fight. 💙

[@LessThanThree76]

So frikkin smart to hold the notes upside down on purpose, to know if someone is trying to read them or not. Such a funny and fantastic woman through and through. WHERE CAN I BUY HER CLAYWORK? 😍

[@Bunny-bq5et]

IKR

[@stressmess3469]

I was thinking the same thing..😁

[@slated4727]

My problem is I'd feel bad for her holding it upside down, so would just read it that way rather than turn it xD

[@h.r.9563]

Same. I want to buy a Kangaroo+shipping costs to America!! I wish she had an etsy.

[@Sophia-by5gx]

😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@galsigner1]

My father had Usher's Syndrome that was not diagnosed until he was in his mid 50's. This explains so much for me. He had been angry a lot, trying to work, support a family of 4 children and not really being understood at work. I am glad you have been able to get so much support now. I wish my Dad had gotten the kind of support you have gotten. The world has changed a lot since my Dad passed away. Keep enjoying life! You inspire me! My mother was also deaf, so I had learned sign language from childhood and am so glad I did.

[@DH-gq7bm]

Seeing her with her friend was so sweet. I can imagine meeting an elephant for the first time was a really exciting experience and she got to have it with someone she really cares and respects.

[@GingerPale]

She is so lovely :')

[@ascoopa5970]

GINGERPALE hi :D and also, don't sell your soul to the great almighty Pickel :0

[@arkuai]

Omg I did not expect to see you here

[@charbslovescarbs]

i agree. also please post more

[@rextheroyalist6389]

Yo, my nigga GingerPale!

[@emily.3329]

I agree

[@jessiejeffree691]

I live in the same town as this woman and even walked passed her once. It's crazy to hear her story. I wish her the best of luck

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching Jessie Jeffree

[@mrs.garcia6978]

Jessie Jeffree say hi next time!

[@TheShahkulu]

Mrs. Garcia that's kind of difficult considering the woman is dead and blind. Maybe is the lady is with a guide, she can tell the guide to say hi for her.

[@JaimeMesChiens]

Shah Kulu ask Marie to tell Heather that you want to touch her hand.

[@Sarah-ft8jr]

Perhaps offer help to her and pass the word on. Just 20 minutes each a week between you and your friends and family could really help this lady.

[@leslieligon3565]

Ohhhh, my gosh, 'meeting' you, today, has just made my day! I really love your quirky sense of humor, Heather, and your sense of play - I hope one day you'll add theater performance to your bag of tricks. My son is totally blind, and we do talk about being deaf blind; how his life would be different ... and I've met many people with Usher's, so I understand the surprising shock of finding out you'll lose sight, after having grown up deaf. You are a leader in your demonstration of getting on with life, laughter, and love - thank you!

[@AB-dg2tb]

It is amazing how she can find her way from her house to anywhere in the city. A very brave person.

[@Laura_Nunn]

It weirdly satisfying watching someone doing sign language.

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching Angel gamer Xx 😊

[@MaxBowyer]

Angel gamer Xx ikr

[@Laura_Nunn]

Max B thank goodness i not the only one,.

[@fiona6562]

Angel gamer Xx THATS MY NAME LOOK

[@mikaylahstumbo7160]

I took a few years of sign language. By far one of the most incredible experiences to date. The Deaf community is incredibly welcoming to people willing to go the extra step to learn their way of communicating.

[@MimiWalburga]

Holy crap, how badass IS this woman? She has one of the most horrible disabilities most people can imagine and yet she manages to live her life to the fullest. Like, fuller than me. I understand that without funding, that wouldn't be possible for her and that funding is so so so important. By the way - Heather, in case you're reading this: I really want a Golfie Instagram page! I would love to see you dress him in different outfits :D

[@YinyoBijuu]

"in case your reading this" Dude, shes blind

[@clo-23420]

Someone else could read it and sign to her

[@user-ng1nr8lw9k]

MimiWalburga and Helen Keller does have that too :>

[@shad0wfrost]

@@YinyoBijuu braille readers exists

[@bernlin2000]

They should her portrait next to the dictionary definition of "tenacity"...I can totally understand why she was suicidal as her vision diminished, that's an extreme way to have to live as an independent person (and to fight for your independence would take SO MUCH more effort than most of us could muster).

[@atomicxblue]

Ever since my sister was little, I've looked for stories about inspirational women. I never wanted her to feel like she couldn't do something just because she's a girl. Heather is an amazing person with a beautiful soul! I've battled depression off and on, and I know how much it can drag you down. For her not only pull herself out of that, but to go on to lead community meetings to help others? The tenacity of the human spirit takes your breath away. (I also absolutely adore her cheeky attitude when she took Golfie to check the mailbox. It's a reminder to us all that we should make time for joy and play every day.)

[@Jutrzen]

She probably thinks people are making fun of here, yet at the same time we feel nothing but great respect for her.

[@helene.m]

the man helping her to get on the train seemed so nice (:

[@deemah3602]

he even waved at her

[@user-ly4wt9xp4i]

One of my neighbour/classmate is deafblind and he is such a nice guy. He has no family or help from the government so sometimes I go with him to the supermarket. He’s inspired me to learn sign language and help people who need it. Idk I felt really useless and didn’t have a dream/passion but the feeling of knowing you can help someone and being needed is so rewarding. I just passed my level 3 BSL test!! In future I hope to learn many different sign languages around the world. This lady is such a strong woman and it really makes you appreciate what you have. No matter how hard you have it there is always someone who has it way worse and is still smiling so don’t give up!!

[@LINAKI123]

Congratulations!! That is an amazing achievement :)

[@locojazz5770]

You are inspiring! 🤟🏾

[@kitdubhran2968]

sooyoung that’s so awesome! You are a fantastic person. I’m also really happy that you’ve found something you want to do in life.

[@zappo0027]

sooyoung you just made me cry, in a good way

[@tb1381]

God bless you ❤️

[@jemimajaye8669]

Heather came to my primary school back In maybe 2007. Loved seeing her and it was amazing!!

[@lyssasletters3232]

Personal stories like this one really demonstrate the importance of accessibility for individuals with all types of abilities and sensory perceptions. Our world definitely needs to prioritize pedestrian safety so that individuals like Heather (and all humans, really) can feel safe!

[@daniaguinaga1754]

I love that she went hat shopping for her cane. And then she put a damn mustache on it! 🤣😂 She then continues to make a better clay kangaroo than I ever could. Fucking QUEEN!

[@anniegabriellaa]

Right? You know what I can make with clay? An uneven ball

[@AleksNeve]

I'm almost deaf (I have a cochlear implant what helps me a lil bit) and I'm panically afraid of loosing my sight. Heather made me thinking brighter. She's amazing.

[@laneybrooke7471]

Arrekus I am Not blind nor deaf however I’m learning asl because it’s a very beautiful language!

[@JessRomeo27]

Hi there, I took ASL for 4 years, and I can proudly say I am pretty fluent in it. I'm just curious, what made you want a CI?

[@WendyLopezGazquez]

I pray to all Gods known to mankind to you keep your sight.

[@taylorm6724]

God bless you💗

[@candyrunt1]

I wish the average person who thinks they can't do things because their life is so hard watched more videos like these. What an amazing person Heather is.

[@rajgill7576]

I cried the first time I saw this. Its scary to think I could lost what I rely on so quickly. Now I see it and smile. Sometimes a hardship can seem very hard to overcome, but breaking it down into little steps you will get there. The same way she made her own breakfast I think I could learn to survive

[@--Voltz--]

i have ushers. i lost my hearing a few years ago. but, i'm still pushing forward, regardless of what's in my way.

[@kathrynsarah6810]

Voltz best of luck to you. You can do it. You’re so strong. More than you know.

[@aggelospoulis1981]

Hold on how did u write that

[@jimmyjager]

@@aggelospoulis1981 I think with his/her fingers using a keyboard? I think you just read that wrong, deaf, not blind.

[@aggelospoulis1981]

Yall gotta cill I was just kidding

[@BlueBaeChai]

Oof

[@carlystr8upg]

So much we take for granted.

[@AttitudeLive]

Thanks for watching carly! Hope you enjoyed 😊

[@carlystr8upg]

Attitude of course! 😊 I was having a bad day and it made me realize my problems are so very small, thank you for posting

[@rosegranger2872]

carly you are so right... actually it's sad that we take so much for granted...

[@jasonvoorhees8899]

Oh god you're so right !

[@Ruan_Wanvi]

This breaks my heart and stops me from complaining about my life. I hope one day she can have an eye transplant or something.

[@joannestark3023]

Usher syndrome is a genetic disorder. So, no, a cornea transplant wouldn't help.

[@phanx]

She's a superhero in my eyes. Being able to overcome her obstacles and be independent blows my mind. Wow!

[@infectedcontactlensyes.5172]

the fact that she can tell the colour by the slight difference in smell is crazy to me.

[@cookycandy4]

i just love how her cane has different hats its so pure :’)

[@khonkhosilelihle7414]

The sense of smell and touch of deaf and blind people is way so accurate compared to people who are not blind nor deaf. I'm always fascinated about this.

[@lennoxclark526]

Good story. I was born full Deaf and I was being ungrateful about it but after watching this, I’m now grateful. This is totally a inspiration 🙏🏼

[@LeeSeungrhee]

Just wondering but do u think with sounds? I'm not deaf just curious how deaf ppl think

[@wherestheleakmaam1543]

blind woman : grabs onto man to help her across the street man : gives thumbs up

[@unfazedjae2645]

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart how could he not take the hint? She didn’t speak so she should been able to tell

[@thomasb.2506]

Where?

[@bta7658]

@@thomasb.2506 6:08

[@bta7658]

Shortly after

[@penguine342]

maybe he was giving a thumbs up to the film crew?

[@happyyuk]

The way the lady coped with deafblindness is just having me in awe. Even though she went through a dark period but now she's enjoying every second of her life even more than people who have better sight and hearing than her. It's just so inspiring.

[@southernboy3726]

That's insane. She is one strong person. Damn. Smart and the time and effort ppl must have put into her and her effort as well

[@Patricia-un6kv]

Heather is an inspiration to everyone, so the next time any one of us is feeling fed up about our lives, think of her and you'll realise how lucky you are. Stay well, everyone...;-)

[@BoopSnoot69]

The fact that she bought a little hat and mustache for her cane was absolutely adorable. She's amazing

[@anabelb.5191]

I'm not blind and not deaf and I wish I was as independent as she is.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

Remarkable woman! Let's all be thankful for our senses and respect the disabled.

[@volleyballplayer7968]

What a life story...I am amazed! I am going to pray for this woman every day!

[@FallingGalaxy]

Why? If your god has a plan, then why would he change that plan because you prayed? And if her life quality is hanging in the balance upon whether or not people like you pray for her, then what does that say about you that you aren't also praying about literally every other person on the planet who has issues, which is every person on the planet. Does it count if you say 'everyone' or does it lose something? Does your god listen to you and others who pray and change his mind on what he had planned? It makes no sense. But faith never does.

[@goldenspark4life]

Omg I want to be her best friend. Not because I pity her but because she's freaken awesome! Her personality is amazing!

[@amandawatts2223]

Me too.

[@gamingfreako7480]

4:43 he waves goodbye to her 😵 Honestly though I'd probably do it too out of habit

[@dannygregory-oshea2902]

She may be able to see shadows since she was able to tell when her blinds were open vs closed. So she may be able to interpret light levels. My mother is blind in one eye from a childhood illness and she says that's what she sees out of that eye.

[@BoTy404]

She waved, he waved back, without thought. That's normal, it's takes time to change habits, especially everyday social habits 😉

[@roseaverina]

@@dannygregory-oshea2902 youre absolutely right! i just did a brief research on her disease(?) and as you may probably know, blindess is not all black and that there are different kinds of eye diseases. basically, with her disease, usher, she has retinal pigmentosa. therefore, being able to see light and shadows

[@ari3lz3pp3lin]

Plus maybe it would ward of people whom might try to take advantage of her situation. :/

[@fancyfeast5086]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2HEfGualp1-rdU Reminds me of this

[@trevin1770]

She is such a beautiful person. I just want to give her a big hug. Her ability to navigate life as a deaf-blind person is truly inspirational.

[@defunct32]

3:36 such a beautiful lady. I cannot imagine being deaf and blind but she's so resilient!

[@kjhuey9859]

I know a lot about (D)deaf blind people, as I am Deaf and I have two Deafblind friends, both females. One is a bit older than Heather (in her 70s) and the other is soon to be 20. What Heather said is so true. Deafblind people are extremely isolated, and they have pretty much no information. I've found they like to ask a lot of questions. They want to communicate, they want to know their surroundings. I've been a communication guide for both of my friends, and I can tell you now they so need funding.

[@rodricksteal1729]

I'd gladly donate!

[@olivepea23]

She is so cool how she can smell colours and makes labels for her clothes! She is living life to the fullest so cool!

[@isabellagithere9229]

She cant smell colors she can smell the different types of flowers. Lmao.

[@mars7612]

She doesn't smell the colors exactly. It's just that each color flower tends to have a different scent. Kind of how different colored bell peppers or grapes taste differently :)

[@WritingDialogue]

The interpreter writing facial cues on her back was incredible. That's so great that they are able to still interact to such a degree.

[@dannyharris3493]

I love how she's still living life and hasn't given up I can't even imagine living like this.

[@Zarah0010]

I love at 10:07 ish when the clerk kinda signs back "thank you". So kind

[@andicarusfell8387]

Zarah Rodriguez I didn’t notice! So sweet 🤩😁

[@shortyshark1]

Over 5 years to get any funding? Horrible. She's lovely. Seems like a good family as well...and friends 👍 I want to buy some of her clay work!!!!! I'd be honored to have a kangaroo!!

[@AttitudeLive]

Thank you for watching shortyshark1

[@shortyshark1]

Attitude I watch all of your channel. Thank you!!!

[@RiotBrained]

I also hope she sells her claywork!

[@SarahKDB]

She should sell it on Etsy if she doesn't already. Could make herself a decent living.

[@jasonvoorhees8899]

@@SarahKDB what's Etsy ?

[@moto3112]

What an incredible woman. I don't think I could cope. And that interpreter is amazing !

[@suvetar]

Mind = Blown. I will never underestimate the ability of people to just carry on and make the best of the hand they're dealt.