Deaf and Destined to Bridge the World | Isidore Niyongabo | TEDxSDSU

Isidore Niyangabo explains the story of how he became deaf and how he chose not to be a victim and be an activism for the deaf in Africa. He is signing while his translator narrates this eye-opening and incredible story
Born and raised in Burundi, Isidore Niyongabo has been a champion for human rights and an advocate for access to education for Deaf children and hard of hearing children in developing countries. While growing up in a rural village rearing family sheep and goats when not in school, he became stricken with Spinal Meningitis at ten years old, and become deaf. While balancing his full-time job as the Human Resources Manager for Convo Communications, LLC, Isidore continues to pay it forward as the founding Executive Director of International Deaf Education, Advocacy, and Leadership (IDEAL), Inc., a San Diego based non-profit organization that empowers Deaf youth globally through provision of scholarships, leadership capacity building and human rights advocacy. In addition, he continues to inspire thousands of people through his extraordinary example of perseverance, self-reliance, enthusiastic effort, courage, and hope.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@kirstycollins4850]

I lost my hearing due to an autoimmune disease. Several doctors said I was fine and to go home. I was told to relax and that I was sick only because I wouldn't relax. Then I went deaf (over 18 months in isolation, no talking, no phone, etc) and then they said my hearing will come back. Of course, my 3rd specialist actually realised but by then it was too late. It's hard to believe these things happen all over the world! I got a cochlear implant after 2 years but was not told about sign language. 6 years later, I am teaching myself Auslan (Australian sign language which is amazing), which is hard when your family don't want to learn it and don't know why you want to, I will go to study sign language next year. I can't wait! A new beginning! I wish it was easier for people to access sign language. I am hoping to get my son's school to start a sign language class.

[@arbyswehavethemeats1956]

Was it celiacs cause I have that

[@RJRukavina]

I knew Isadore around this time. He has accomplished so much more since this time. But one thing he hasn't told you here, he knows 5 languages. ASL, English, French, Kirundi, and Kiswahili. He's won recognition for IDEAL. Plus all that organization has accomplished. And he's worked in President Obama's White House. It's a pleasure to see you in this video, sir.

[@ASLmasterclass]

My most favorite presenter from TedTalk. I'm teaching our ASL students about your story Isidore. What an incredible and positive message to leave the next generation for the benefit of Deaf all over the world with no education. Praying for this to ripple change for children who need accessibility and life quality.

[@BHer-nd2kw]

I cannot stop crying, what an amazing story

[@thomasgreul3871]

God bless you Isidore! When so many run into hardship and give up here you are. You didnt give up when you got sick, didnt give up when you became Deaf, didnt give up when your family was killed and have turned all of that into a crusade to help all of the other children just like your dad for you. Your parents are very proud of you.! Its stories like this that are the reason I have been learning ASL and Deaf culture.

[@mauricegranger3788]

Thank you for this Ted Talk!! Such a heartbreaking and inspiring story. The advocacy is needed!

[@itsaaliyah6949]

I’m deaf and I love this story and why the doctor don’t wanna see what happened to him

[@hannahjgg]

What a beautiful beautiful story. You are so inspirational. Almost brought me to tears but I am listening at work so I held them back

[@helpme9987]

I always cry when I'm at work.

[@sylviaayala6749]

Beautiful experience! Thank you for proving that Deaf people can be successful. Give the little ones sign language and you are giving them access to reach their fullest potential. I'm a sign language interpreter in public education and many times I have come across young children that can't communicate their thought and feelings and are living in social isolation within their own family because they were not taught sign language. No English, no sign language, and no language at all. Its heartbreaking. Please continue your mission and may the God of all languages bless your endeavor.

[@G3ologyRocks_]

Yes. 100% I completely agree. Love. Thank you

[@erikaluther]

Thank you for sharing your extraordinary story with the world.

[@KowCornelius]

I'm impressed. Hope to meet you one day sir

[@destinypowers1146]

ty for sharing God bless you

[@handmaid7778]

I am losing my hearing, profoundly hearing impaired. I am also totally blind. I have no access to learn sign language. No transportation and no one to come and teach me. I am very much hindered as well due to the pandemic. Have been offered the chance to get a cochlear implant. So…

[@aphr0d]

If you don't mind me asking, which region do you live in? All is not lost btw, I hope the implant works wonders for you. And with or without it, you are able to do so much, you have a beautiful life meant to be lived, and if you don't let it, then nothing can stop you. May God make it easier for you.

[@handmaid7778]

I live in Haywood County North Carolina. I do live quite a full life in spite of everything. However, I do have lots of trouble communicating well at times. And this video was such a blessing to me it really touched my spirit. Thank you for your kind words by the way.

[@Ruthavecflute]

Some Deaf-blind people use sign language by touching the other person's hands as they sign. Maybe that could be uesful to you.

[@karlacalderas1364]

My 1 language was American sign language my second language was absolutely nothing I was in shock that I wasn't deaf I thought I was deaf had about three and a half and when I was five that's when I started to understand that my first language was really going to be well my second language was going to be English because for the first 5 years of my life I only used American sign language and that's basically the part of my mind is dealing with that part of who I am and what that's made me today

[@chrisnyongesa5132]

wonderful

[@karlacalderas1364]

I am so sorry for the typos I meant to say something different I hope you can figure it out because I can't edit it anymore I'm just I'm really I apologize I hope it makes sense for you I'm sure you can figure out what I was really trying to say I didn't mean I was trying to cut I meant to say oh my gosh anyways I apologize

[@samuelakosah2746]

i want to know if this is a science slam presentation

[@asst.prof.narusornmangkorn7159]

Good Mindset

[@karlacalderas1364]

Now let me first say now well let me say now my mother is deaf she's been all her life so that's where that manifested from her life and then her getting pregnant with my sister then my brother than me but it was basically just me and her because her first born passed away the second born went with my dad and I stayed with my mom .i said that kind of like backwards I should have said this first but I apologize that's my comment thank you

[@CasarJacobson]

🤟🏼

[@silvanelf1]

I have a Deaf coworker. I've learned some ASL, but this guy's signing completely confuses me. There are some basic signs I recognize, but most of it is gibberish to me. The very basics are familiar, but many signs seen like another dialect.

[@manoharan7396]

silvanelf1 ganemal

[@helpme9987]

@@manoharan7396 What does ganemal mean?

[@Kendergurl]

He isn’t using ASL. He is using a sign language of the African country he is from. There are some similarities but they are different languages. Similar to how British English and Australian English are similar but different.

[@Peace2143]

He is using ASL... maybe you are struggling to recognize some signs because of the speed at which he is signing?

[@AKYT70]

Isidore is using ASL! There may some lexical variation here but its 100% ASL!

[@chrisnyongesa5132]

wonderful