Navigating deafness in a hearing world | Rachel Kolb | TEDxStanford

In the United States, two-thirds of hearing-impaired people do not complete high school. In this talk at TEDxStanford, Rhodes Scholar Rachel Kolb -- who was born deaf -- shows what is possible through family support and self-belief, and proves that what is assumed about you and what you can actually achieve don't always match up.
A native of Albuquerque, N.M., Rachel Kolb sees effective communication as essential to ideas, creativity and progress. She received a BA with honors in English from Stanford and will graduate in June 2013 with a coterminal master's degree in English. While at Stanford, Kolb has been active in the Stanford Equestrian Team, Leland Quarterly, Stanford Daily and Stanford Power to ACT. She aspires to be a writer, scholar and public disability advocate. Kolb was named an American Rhodes scholar in November 2012 and will pursue an MSc in contemporary literature at Oxford beginning in October 2013.

[@user-le8xi9xi2i]

I am a Student Doctor and when I was 19 (my first year of Med school) I developed epilepsy and after a prolonged seizure when I was 20, I became profoundly deaf. Waking up to a silent world was the worst day of my life. It is people like this lady who allowed me to believe in myself again. I am now finishing med school and am doing my masters in neurology. It has given me an insight into the life of a patient and an empathy that I hope will translate into my medical practise. Brilliant, brilliant video

[@GrahamLloyd-f6e]

Thank you for posting! And congratulations on becoming a doctor!

[@dandeliondreams123]

i was born half deaf, I was beaten by my father when I tried to speak, it embarrassed him. I stopped speaking until the 7th grade. I had surgery to correct my deafness in elementary school, unfortunately my brain still has trouble figuring out meaning with what i hear. I have chronic terrible pain in my ear because they made the eardrum too small. I can’t walk in the wind, be in the cold or look at the ocean without pain. I still easily exist in my own world. People can easily mistake it for autism. Thanks for your video.

[@John-Doe-e6t]

I research about Total Communication. It was so risky because I had bad sign language, poor English, and a lack of speech in a mainstream school when I grew up there. My parents spoke Spanish and didn't even know how to sign language. I looked like I was a language deprivation. I wish they chose Cued Speech or Auditory/Oral for me instead of Total Communication. Elon Musk said “What’s the point of sign language in a video if you have substitutes? Am I missing something?” He is right because most deaf people couldn’t understand that closed captioning “illiteracy”. ASL is not great to teach deaf children or a bad education because they struggle how to read sentences. I am still unhappy if ASL exists in some public schools except deaf schools. Hopefully, cued speech will teach them instead in the future. Sigh poor deaf children 😢 STOP TEACHING SIGN LANGUAGE. CUED SPEECH IS THE BEST CHOICE INSTEAD! Sign language is risky because I remember a doctor gave me her note-taking and she wrote “Are you upset”. I didn’t know what a word was but I was 11. That’s a HUGE disappointment. My public school had a bad education, sign language is not English, and DELAY speech. I tried to encourage them to cued speech instead. There are new technologies such as cochlear implants and hearing aids, so sign language is not necessary for deaf children right now. By the way, today is 2024 not the 1800s. ASL is beautiful but it should NOT be taught to deaf children unless teenagers or adults because they will be illiterate if they can't read or have difficulty writing English maybe. I need to fix that timeline. Thanks for understanding.

[@sewgardens]

​@SC_jamesbond007jua How do you teach a non-hearing child to read without sound? Cochlear implants do NOT always work. And the sound a deaf person hears is NOT what you hear. ASL is a bridge to english! It is shortcomings of the educational system, not ASL that hinders learning.

[@Deafgreekboy]

I too am deaf and have a degree in writing and literature. It wasn’t easy. I owe much to many who helped me along the way. I see you gave this talk 11 years ago, and I expect that you have completed that degree and are doing what you dreamed of doing. I want to say that as a 50 year old now, I take comfort and encouragement in what you shared here. Thank you.

[@ana-sofiavelasco1784]

I was born profoundly deaf to hearing parents, but with the help of grommets, I am moderate-severely deaf. When I was young I used cued speech to learn how to talk, and soon I was able to talk, as I had a large and talkative family who all used cued speech to correct my word sounds. I had a lisp until a few years ago when I became more aware of my speech, so I now have perfect speech to the point that people forget I'm deaf. I always felt slightly left out of the deaf community, as I knew very few deaf people growing up, and they could all sign (I can't). But I still suffer from many problems, a lot of it stemmed from the fact that people forget I'm deaf. I receive absolutely no support at school in terms of my hearing because they think I can cope, but I actually struggle a great deal every day. Watching this woman's talk is incredible. She's so strong and inspiring, and reminds me that I need to voice my struggles more, rather than feeling stressed to the point of tears some days because I couldn't understand a listening module for my language lesson, or such things. Thank you for this great talk, I'm so grateful!

[@crazymomhappymom3315]

be strong and be proud for the deaf community is a strong and proud community

[@cassandrajones9517]

I think it is very common for people to forget that deaf who speak well are still deaf. I hope you get the support you need at school, work, or home.

[@jenniferdoucette5584]

Ana-Sofia Velasco peole with cp

[@pistolshrimp6252]

yo, how can you write this... your deaf

[@christopherjames375]

Wow I thought it was a sermon . Fair play to you .

[@JMWeaver]

She is amazing. I am not hard of hearing, but I was born with a cleft lip and palate. My speech is slurred and lispy and I hate talking in general. Her confidence is inspiring.

[@harveyabel1354]

I get you. In public school I had to take part in reciting a poem for assemlby (as part of a team). Some of the faces I saw....well!! ;(

[@kylenoe2234]

Sne was in my graduating class. Go Rachel

[@XXRolando2008]

I guess it helps that she doesn’t know how she sounds.

[@juanitapoareo9410]

@@XXRolando2008 And I guess you didn't watch her talk. She said she wears a hearing aid and a cochlear implant so she definitely can hear herself.

[@kimberleystone7260]

Thank you, Rachel. I was born Profoundly deaf as well, and raised by hearing parents to talk. I face a lot of self-doubt; doubt which I never voice. Inner doubt is perhaps the true disability and the challenge everyone needs to overcome. I am starting a 4 year degree next week, so I needed the reminder right about now that I can and will be okay so long as I remember there is a way.

[@msdixieblues]

+Kimberley Stone How are your studies going for you? College was the best time of my life. Challenging, yes, but I loved learning and working towards a goal

[@christopherjames375]

Good on you . There is a pub in bristol where deaf people use 2 met . I said 2 my friend .stop staring . They r not animals in a zoo. They r communicating .

[@taylorjada7749]

how has it gone over the past 4 years?

[@kimberleystone7260]

@@taylorjada7749 ​ Hey guys, it took longer than I wanted, I had some bad semesters, and had to take a year break in the middle. But I'm submitting my last assessment today, so I did it. :) I'm going to get my bachelors.

[@toner01]

@@kimberleystone7260 cool

[@rlavender21]

12:48-I know what she means I'm hearing and i am learning sign language and walking into a group of deaf people and watching them all sign to each-other is equally a ping-pong match to me.

[@meganmaxwell3212]

Just remember, it isn't a first language for you and in most cases it is for them. The best thing to do is three things: practice, practice, and perfect practice.

[@melaniegrace7707]

How can anyone watch this and not be moved to tears. Thanks for the inspiration, Rachel!

[@jd123yukon]

Wow. Outstanding talk from a truly inspirational person. Kudos to you Rachel Kolb! My son was born with significant bi-lateral hearing loss and he struggles with communication and reading. As a hearing parent who is struggling to get help with this, I catch myself having to describe him as “disabled” to help other people understand the magnitude of these challenges. The paradox is: watching him overcome these challenges on a daily basis makes him, like you, the most able people I know.

[@valomajakka]

I am a pianist/musician/composer. My entire existence is based on sound. My best friend and closest cousin is deaf. An unusual pairing. He also came out a year and a half ago and has dealt with terrible isolation. This and videos like it, are so profoundly important for people to see. I love that she talked about her relationship with horses, for my friend, it's food. That is such a visceral form of communication we share. For him to see people like Rachel tell their stories, how they have been viewed by society and triumphing at every turn is breathtaking. Music is my language and I thought I would never be able to find a way to communicate with him. He taught me how to truly listen.

[@significanceofbreath]

This is so beautiful. My goodness--

[@beverleywolmarans4091]

We are all dealt random hands of cards in the game of life and there are hardships to navigate as well as blessings. The ace up your sleeve is learning about and working on the negatives. This young lady has overcome a severe hearing impairment to be an inspiration to everyone. God bless and keep her!

[@ClarissaHollar]

@Katharine: She speaks because she wants to speak. And she proves that Deaf people can speak then just relying on ASL. She's not insulting the Deaf community. And she proves that she can do anything she wants too. I was born deaf myself and I had to go through speech therapy as a child and I'm glad that I did. You can do anything if you put your mind and soul to it.

[@Roadent1241]

I'm sure we can. Being deaf from birth myself and having barely any hearing in the one ear even with a hearing-aid, I recently decided I'm going to defy it and teach myself to make audioplays. Of course stereo and volume levels are going to be a challenge but I'm going to do the best I can! Let's all strive for doing the best we can!

[@CindyBrown]

+Clarissa Hollar "And she proves that Deaf people can speak then just relying on ASL." That is such an ignorant thing to say. No, not all deaf people can speak. Some can, some can't. I hope you never sit there and tell some deaf person that they're just lazy if they don't try and speak. Jesus.

[@harveyabel1354]

She ALSO very obviously wants to sign!

[@keramiroberts6695]

She only proves that SHE can do it... Not all deaf people. Not all people full stop.

[@christopherjames375]

Fair play 2 all the deaf . A lot of deaf women are stunningly good looking .

[@adewey33]

I can related to her. I am deaf living in a hearing world. I am currently a Physical Therapist working at a hospital. I wear one hearing aid and lip read most of the time. I am able to speak very well. Most people would think “I am just hard of hearing”

[@joieparma]

This is one of the most inspiring, powerful videos of KZbin, I think. I'm seriously moved.

[@consciousnobody]

how anyone can dislike this video! its amazing to see her speaking. God bless her :)

[@timriker6679]

I think the point is not about her speaking. It's about Deaf children needing American Sign Language and not limiting their abilities.

[@dinahestes5213]

Obviously this girl is very strong and highly motivated with her wonderful family's support. It didn't happen to me, my sister, her husband, my husband, my cousin and lots of my friends unfortunately but we are grateful to know American Sign Language (ASL) so we can survive better. I am glad to see her signing some on the stage. It tells me that she respects Deaf community and ASL. I wonder if ASL has helped her see our sides and deal through better in this insensitive world in some ways. Congratulation to this wonderful role model!

[@trilingual_tx_center]

Excellent message for parents on not placing limitations on their deaf child!!! I love that the SLP pulled aside her mother and told her "Never place any limitations on this child. She can do anything she wants to do." Amazing!!!

[@LeChalet360]

This brave woman's story is an inspiration to everyone who's ever had trouble overcoming great difficulties. As a hearing person, I was part of a group that had to "experience" being deaf by having mold placed in our ears, which were then covered with headphones. After the experiment, we all reported how utterly isolated we felt, not from the natural world but from people. It was very difficult as we had to work extremely hard just in order to force ourselves to get involved. We also realized how unappreciative we are by saying things like "shut up" all the time, or "I wish I could just get some peace and quiet" when what we should be doing is complain less, not take things for granted, and be considerate of how hard others work in order to get what we easily receive every day. An inclusive community is a strong one, and I wish more videos like this would help correct the many misconceptions we have against others and help break the unnecessary barriers we have between us.

[@arianecomte2001]

I was also born profoundly deaf. I spoke only in French for many years and gradually learned English little by little. I became fully bilingual. I also had speech therapy in elementary school and I absolutely hated it! I didn't have a care in the world for practicing... However, now that I am in my 20's, I struggle with some words that are difficult to pronounce... I relate a lot with Rachel's experience. People telling my parents what I can or cannot do. Some people are ignorant. People, do what you want to do in life and don't let anyone say you can't do it! Always challenge yourself! Thanks Rachel for your presentation.

[@Hello51275]

WOW What a beautiful and smart young woman! Loved watching you. My son is profoundly deaf, has a master degree and I identify with everything you said:)

[@meganluck9132]

Rachel is truly amazing and that teacher only focused on her own issue with not being able to understand Rachel and not encouraging Rachel to keep going and keep speaking in front of the class. The teacher wanted things to be made easy for her and was not even considering how much courage it took Rachel to stand up in front of the class to talk. Rachel was braver then I would have been.

[@Doc-tech]

I'm medical student , listening your speech inspired me to level ,where I can bring changes in the community facing hearing difficulties.

[@evelynhunter6194]

So inspiring! We all have our own personal " I can't " beliefs, but her determination and philosophy can serve as a reminder to all of us. Perceived limitations place us in boxes of our own making. My older sister is deaf and so many of her experiences sound familiar. Rhodes Scholar..........wow!

[@lindayoder8003]

I needed to hear this so much as I sometimes feel sorry for myself. I had normal hearing for most of my life and even had a forty year career as a registered nurse. Had to leave the career I loved so much when my hearing loss interfered with my work. I slowly progressed to being profoundly deaf in my 70’s and about a year ago received a Cochlear Implant which has been a difficult journey also. I am so happy and proud of this young woman and the fortitude she has to just keep on keeping on by the grace of GOD. Bless her heart. Communication with others has such value beyond measure that we must continue to pursue it no matter what!!

[@Jen.V843]

Thanks for this presentation Rachel! I'm hard of hearing from birth. I got my first hearing aids when I was 20 and now have a Baha implant. I'm Australian and sometimes get asked if my accent is American! Haha. I really like what you said about “walking into a group conversation is like watching a world championship ping-pong match with 10 different people and half a dozen balls”. Great description. I'm going to explain it like that in future! I went to mainstream school, got an exercise science degree at uni, am studying massage therapy to run my own small business, I teach in school camp programs and teach community first aid. I love singing and playing the piano. I try to live my life without limitations and just get stuck into things. Yes, there are things I can't do like work in a noisy bar or join the military, but I don't have an interest in those areas anyway.

[@Roadent1241]

Is a Baha implant a version of a cochlear? (I'm deaf and I've never heard of this.)

[@Jen.V843]

No. It's an implant that works via bone conduction. Look up Cochlear Baha or Oticon Ponto (two main brands).

[@sydneyb1890]

This is amazing I can't complain. Anymore about not be able to say the letter r this women is so strong and smart I will always look up to her

[@aelder5057]

BRAVO and KUDOS to this courageous young woman's PARENTS for learning to sign and making language accessible to her and investing in her ABILITIES. Need more parents of Deaf kids like that!!

[@paintergirl06]

I think I met you once! Awesome speech! It's harder for us deaf/hard of hearing or anyone who has some differences. It's important to remember there are choices and to keep on going.

[@siglmgga]

Happy video is captioned, hank you Rachel. Will visit Albuquerque in October for the ALDA/TDI conference - if you are there, CCAC will say hello. You mention "group conversations" - here is where real time captioning will bloom one day for us. The technology is there (to use professionals listening in, creating quality real time speech-to-text for our mobiles), but takes time to bring costs down, etc. Lauren (Collaborative for Communication Access via Captioning, citizen volunteers).

[@Adamughal867]

She's really an inspiration and a courageous beautiful lady!

[@mramirez5239]

I hope the teacher and riding instructor mentioned have both since learned better. I covered the subtitled with my hand while I watched this video and I could understand this guest well. I respect her choice to speak while other deaf individuals choose not to. Also, her English is SUPERB. 👋

[@grumpylexi]

I was raised orally in the 1980s and never learned sign at all. I always had access to hearing aids throughout my childhood. I wish I had been taught because now I struggle with both languages. And my parents sadly have no idea what deaf culture is. I know many hard of hearing kids in the same shoes I as and they all wish they had learnt sign (either earlier than they did or at all). A visual language is so useful to learn and it is so beneficial for parents & kids to have both.

[@sinhart143]

You are a total inspiration! I admire you so very much! So much truth in what you said about "being Able and not disabled"! I am a Mother of a brilliant Young Deaf Boy that also Graduated from Stanford,Joseph has taught me something very important, There is no such this as Can't..Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story! Congrats on your Rhodes Scholar..Cindy Vasquez Hart

[@pamv.338]

I needed to see this.. I feel useless becoming deaf after losing my hearing a year ago. I could relate everything she had said. People and even ourselves tend to look at what we can't do and forget what we can.

[@flamingodmh]

I am a first year ASL student. I came across this video and am truly touched. I feel ASL is very challenging to me and I can hear and speak normally. I am the one who feels handicapped at this moment. I felt that this is impossible for me to learn, after watching this, I believe I can learn. Thank You Rachel Kolb for opening my eyes.

[@John-Doe-e6t]

I learned Cued Speech (Cued Language Transliteration)! 🙂

[@GrahamLloyd-f6e]

Miss Kolb you are an amazing lady. Thank you very much for your wonderful presentation.

[@angelclark8177]

My 3 year old son has a profound hearing lose from birth and i have him in speech I have began learning to sign and in hopes of him getting a implant and being able to one day be able to talk and hear like his twin brother seeing your video has helped give me more faith that he will be able to to do this thanks for sharing your video with the world

[@elijahgerard3425]

I don't want to come off as preachy or as though I'm against the linguistic approach, but i hope you understand that there is a chance he won't do those things. And that that's fine.

[@elijahgerard3425]

***** I didn't say there wasn't hope calm down

[@katie85705]

I know the original post is from 2 months ago but my daughter was born premature and has audio neuropathy, basically she is hard of hearing with what sounds she can hear turning off and on randomly she had heating aids they worked a little bit but July 3rd she got the cochlear implant in her right ear and even though it's been only a short while the improvement may seem small to some people it is pretty noticeable to me and those close to her don't expect a miracle though because it does take time to see a significant difference. She has yet to fully speak yet but does understand some words and one of the best apps I have found for sign language is smart hands baby asl it costs a small fee for the full version but it is very easy to follow and has a nice size vocabulary. I wish both you and your son the best of luck. If ever you want to talk about how my daughter has done with her CI you can message me on kik katie85705 or just comment on one of my videos. Sorry for any grammar mistakes I'm on my phone.

[@angelclark8177]

Thanks so much for your message it's nice to get back good feed back I hope the best for you and yours and may get back with you about how its working out for your

[@angelclark8177]

Daughter how old is she I want to get the .ci but having a hard time getting help ppushing it into motion do you know any way to help

[@lovetakeslove]

Im 15 and I am fluent in both asl and bsl. I have a deaf sister and cousin so Asl was pretty mandatory for me to learn. I learned bsl because my penpal is from the UK and is profoundly Deaf and I wanted to communicate with her easier. I started writing her when I was five and we've recently started having video chats with her. I love seeing videos like this because it shows (to pestle who don't understand deafness) that Deaf people are very able to do what hearing people do.

[@elijahgerard3425]

(Not meant to be offensive) Are ASL and BSL all that different? I can sign ASL pretty well, not quite fluently, but i figured the dialect didn't differ that much.

[@lovetakeslove]

surprisingly enough they are very very different. The alphabet in BSL is two handed and many of the signs are totally different and even require mouthing of the word. In ASL the alphabet is one handed and doesn't require mouthing, only various facial expressions and oral shapes. I don't think it makes much sense the way I've worded that.

[@Roadent1241]

***** Since I only remember the BSL-alphabet now (and I'm deaf having lived in a hearing world the past decade and a half), that made sense to me. Especially since I've watched people do both ASL and BSL, and they certainly are different in using either one hand or both their hands for letters depending which is it. So don't worry, it does make sense. Might just take a little thinking about for those that haven't seen it in motion all that much.

[@meganluck9132]

***** I use both hands for ASL because although I am technically right handed and use my left hand to help sign a word like coffee which requires both hands, I can easily sign as a left handed person who uses their right hand to help with a sign. I will have to look up the BSL alphabet because I am now curious as to how it is different from ASL.

[@mathewtownsend4148]

Hi from Australia. I am hearing impaired just like you too. Although I am quite successful person myself. I spend years of counselling, psychologists, speech therapy and that. I also have mild case of ASD. It make my environment much more challenging. Though I am still getting my Masters degree, internships, career jobs, family and friends supporting me. My life is just like the mainstream. However. I am still getting a lot of assumptions from the hearing people where my form of communication appears unusual for them. I find it either passive or aggressive communication. The sad case is that the hearing awareness is actually not effective because the mainstream is still following the 'social norms'.

[@barbaraellico8274]

You inspire me. You have brought tears to my eyes and have opened my heart. I am forever grateful. I am studying ASL and my hope is to become a sign language interpreter. Through your kind words and advise, I feel I can be a caring pair of ears for the deaf. Thank you.

[@churchtime8203]

I feel you sister and love and deeply appreciate your determination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!You are a true warrior and over comer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@phyllisbleau4433]

Rachel, I very much listening to you. You are a gifted motivational speaker. I appreciate not only your very advanced speaking ability but the deep thought that went into your presentation. You are a remarkable example for deaf children and their parents. Thank you!

[@joansemenec1387]

Even though I wasn't born deaf or hard-of-hearing, I'm able to relate to Rachel when it comes to a lot of things in my own life. I'm a little hard of hearing in my right ear (due to having an ear infection in that ear every summer while I was growing up), but I haven't let that stop me from achieving what I want to achieve in life so far.

[@Statesville2012]

One of the most encouraging things I've ever seen on KZbin. Keep it up Rachel!

[@beatrizmartos4911]

Rachel, you are an amazing inspiration to those of us who suffering from a hearing impairment and wear hearing aids. A few months ago, after many years of struggling with the ability to communicate with others because of my hearing loss, I have crossed the threshold and have committed to learning ASL.

[@skyllarmuthoga8781]

she has truelly motivated me....am from Kenya....am profound in left year and hard of hearing in my right ear.....I love that woow

[@irodify1]

Really nice to listen to her talk-nice blend of anecdote and stats. Her speech was not distracting-she paced herself well. Signing and body language gave spice to her recollections. I could relate to learning to distinguish sounds (m, n, th/da, ch/sh, confusion with consonants at the end of words for example boat/bold). I admire her persistence-to communicate orally and through sign language and seek out her passions. The last part of her speech-emphasizing ability and effort (I can) is worth remembering.

[@irodify1]

Katharine Walker I am not deaf (my hearing loss is mild). Still I enjoyed Rachel's speech-she persisted in speaking despite obstacles. She learned to speak to open up more doors for herself. Even if she signed her speech i would still watch-i liked her body language and stories. Makes me want to learn sign language so that I can communicate with more people.

[@azkayuhuu1138]

Her parents is tremendeously amazing!!!!

[@FancyGirl2008]

Thank you so much for this inspiring message of hope, and actual transformation of life to express how much you have worked to overcome such obstacles. When I was a teen, I was assisting a speech therapist and intellectually (not actuality) know how hard it is to overcome speech difficulties. I'm truly amazed at your communication level and encourage you to keep sending this message of being an overcomer! You can do anything you put your mind to do. Plus, you're a wonderful spokesman, thank you for the information you shared. God bless.

[@significanceofbreath]

My goodness- My goodness this was and is beyond powerful and timely. Thank You, Jesus (;

[@LuckyJaimeLynn]

Quoting a quote that Ms. Rachel Kolb shared: "Deaf children born to deaf parents have a higher level of achievement: they score higher in other academic areas and demonstrate greater independence and better social skills." ABSOLUTELY! Studies show that American Sign Language is the most effective language for any deaf/hard of hearing children and research strongly supports direct communication when it comes to a child's education (not via interpreter in a public school system).

[@tamaraegan85]

Jaime Staley

[@lilliane2610]

I watched this video with no volume just used captions. This is not the first time. I will even watch my favorite KZbin videos with captions just to understand what life is like for my deaf friend.

[@treg1134]

wow, this is one of the best Ted talks.I ever watched... one of the most inspiring messages I have ever seen... great messages here! thank you for setting a great life example of courage .... I am taking your words to heart

[@e2U]

I would have loved to hear Ms. Kolb speak further on a topic related to making the world a better place. I do not want to take anything away from Ms. Kolb's trials, but I raise kids in high-risk situations and they all have hurdles to overcome: like at three thinking the only way to deal with life is cutting their arm or leg off. I would of liked to her Ms. Kolb speak about a topic beyond a limitation. I hope my message is taken from the heart: don't focus on your limitations, focus on all you are: she is a beautiful and intelligent human being, so leave the limitations, that we all have, behind Rachel! Thank you.

[@carlammgomes]

Thank you so much for this, Rachel. Wonderful, brave and inspiring. All the best for you!

[@evansmith7911]

That was very inspiring! I’m not deaf, but I am in a wheelchair. I think your right that if you work hard enough, you can do whatever you want.

[@amberlicona1429]

just watched this in 2020! trying to become a teacher but def inspired by this to be a better mentor! thank you Rachel!

[@ZabivakaPirate69]

I almost stopped watching this video because of her voice but I reminded myself that the discomfort I may feel at first when interacting with someone with something different about them is most definitely not as bad as they do when interacting with people who are hateful to them. And when I say different I don't mean bad I just mean something that I don't live with. I really got a better understanding of deaf people. I think I understand more why deaf people don't talk about themselves having a "disability" because it is more of a different set of skills rather than a lack of one skill. Yes of course there is a "disadvantage" but from what I have seen there are lots of ways to overcome that "disadvantage" and even surpass it. Sending love at the misunderstood people in this world!

[@ZabivakaPirate69]

Also something I would like to add is that I recently had a sudden drive to learn ASL even though I don't know anyone hearing impaired or deaf. I really would like to have this skill so if someone who can only communicate through ASL needs to talk to me then I can do so fluently. From my perspective I feel it's not fair to just assume all deaf people will have someone with them to speak for them. So I would like to be able to sign to them directly. I hope to have a day where I can talk to a deaf person and surprise them with my ASL.

[@elmerfiestas3573]

Rachel, what an inspiring human being! Thank you for sharing that powerful message! Greetings from Peru.

[@lmklenz]

What an inspiration! I am also on a personal mission to help ignorant hearing people understand the deaf culture and misconceptions most have.... I think more videos ok on KZbin should have subtitles too...

[@carlagarrett8584]

Wonderful to watch and listen to her. Gives me a great insight as I study to be an eA.

[@LightFortitudeProductions]

What an amazing speech! God bless you Rachel Kolb.

[@tink5337]

I love this. I am about to start taking ASL and the class requires a large number of hours of immersion learning with the deaf community. I truly want to learn ASL, but I am a naturally shy person as it is so the idea of trying to meet people and talk with them in a language that I barely know (at first at least) TERRIFIES me. But this reminds me the significance of my hearing privilege. And if the deaf community can overcome that voice in their heads with courage and pride despite the many more barriers they face, I can fight my shyness to learn to connect and communicate with the deaf community- on their terms.

[@John-Doe-e6t]

What about Cued Speech (Cued Language Transliteration)?

[@MirellaHaddad]

Am very very very proud of you, you make my head high !!!!

[@aliza_h]

This is so beautiful and inspirational. I think I needed this.

[@LiveTilliDie]

This is inspiring. Made me tear up. Just thinking of you and the Deaf today.

[@michellearrastia2122]

she is a beautiful soul...

[@ameliejoelle6775]

I got an ad for speechify while watching this video lol

[@stephanieanunez3545]

I am 18 and can hear and I'm learning ASL. Soo one of my class assignments is to go to a deaf event.I actually expected the video to be about hearing people communicating with deaf people (cause I didnt read the title well :D) but instead I found such an inspiring speech motivating me to break through language and social barriers our fears put between us. Nevertheless I have no idea how to find a deaf event and what I would even do once I'm there. when she explained how deaf people feel about entering a convo with a group of hearing people is how I feel about entering a conversation with deaf people.

[@G6PBS]

What an inspiring video. Makes me realise I have no excuse for not completing anything I wish to do.

[@G6PBS]

+Timothy Riker I do not have low expectations of deaf people's abilities but I do have the ability to gain inspiration from other's life experiences. I guess you must lead a very flat life without the ability to emphasise with other human beings :-(

[@timothyriker3829]

+G6PBS There's a difference between compassion and pity. To pity then feel inspired... And because of that epiphany, you think you have no excuse to complete anything.

[@G6PBS]

I certainly don't pity (D)deaf/hoh people. The only difference between hearing and deaf people is that deaf people can't hear. Understanding, in a very small way, that deaf people have a steeper hill to climb than hearing, is inspiring. I think we may be on the same page but reading from different sides - lol

[@kristinabaker4433]

I'm hearing and I can't follow group conversations very well like she described, and we don't have to... we each have our own strengths to build on

[@czarinapaulacruz7133]

You are amazing. Keep on stepping on the threshold and reach your goals. YOU ARE BLESSING. :)

[@lorrainechristie8090]

Right on keep moving forward 💯.

[@IIoveasl10]

That woman is fantastic!

[@michellemichael4697]

I think the reason people focus on disabilities so much is because well, ever heard that saying our team is as weak as our weakest player? We are as weak as our weakest quality, but we're also as strong as our strongest quilitys. As humans we do have limitations . And focusing on the weakest quilitys helps us improve our selves as people no matter what the subject. In this circuit stance, hearing and communication is her disability, weakest quality of herself, there for that is what she focuses on to better her self. And this girl surly did a great job of that. Saying that you have goals to master the things people tell you you can't do is natural . You love to write, Your taking what people say is you weakness and making it your strength . So what's really your disability, if it's truly your strength?

[@michelesinger7283]

I was sitting at a bus stop once minding my own business, listening to music, when the guy next to me, taps me on the shoulder and gestures something. I didn’t know what he said, but I knew what he said. I knew he was using ASL. And I signed to him, “I dont know sign, but I can show when it’s coming” I took out my phone and I showed him on the app on my phone. But he looked at me and he was confused. I think he was confused because I was signing to him, but I didn’t want him to think that I was fluent in his language, but that I could help him. I began having a conversation with him. I didn’t know the most of what he was saying, but I just sat there and listen at what he was saying. When it was time to get off the bus, I went over to him. And I signed “ have a good night” he just nodded and smiled and signed thank you

[@Kimbah9]

Thank you Rachel, for your honest, profoundly moving presentation. I . am hard-of-hearing, and was born with Cerebral Palsy. I was raised to believe I could do anything, even if I had to do it differently from anyone else. I have been discouraged, by either my own inner voice or others who said "I can't." Am so incredibly encouraged by your assertion: "Well, I can." Thank you!

[@vrog]

Very touching and amazing speech!

[@Blondzrule]

I wish that Australia was as advanced in deaf education and rights as the USA is.

[@ryanfrizzell736]

Interesting. Now I know more about deafness in the auditory world.

[@tinamikhael3677]

Knowing ASL is beneficial to all! I can be fine and happy being "oral", though that fact remains that I am socially isolated, simply because I am HoH. I accept that it would be unnatural for people to increase their volume, articulate and look at me, especially if I am not the person they are speaking to directly. Often when trying to contribute in a group setting, I get strange looks because I am off subject since I am only getting parts of what is being said. Also for not responding, perhaps walking away. I am not a snob, I am HoH. Without face and lips and being spoken to directly, I will not know I am being spoken to. The tree that falls in the forest without someone to hear it, does make a sound. Words that fall on deaf ears can not express anything when not heard. Signing is a great way to let others know that visual is needed to communicate. Because we speak does not mean we can hear well.

[@alisonsattler6396]

Well put! As a fellow hard-of-hearing person who is learning sign because hearing in noisy environments is becoming increasingly difficult, I share your experiences and agree with your perspective completely!!

[@brodyandmr.skittles5]

I am HoH and my parents did their research and found a deaf school where everyone was deaf and HoH and able to talk through hands and sometimes words if they had hearing aids or CIs and I am proud to be Deaf and HoH

[@peaceiswithjesus8568]

This was awesome! I needed to hear this!

[@Drew-jy7dl]

Haha she is funny :) I would of thought people would mistake her accent as Dutch rather than English. Great presentation and story!

[@timriker6679]

Based on my life experience, and the plethora of research touching on the subject of language acquisition and bilingualism, in order for society to provide Deaf children the equal opportunity for language development and to have a successful life, parents need to become involved, learn American Sign Language, and use it in the home. Furthermore, we need to do more to fund and support ASL-English bilingual education with Deaf teachers and positive Deaf role models to show Deaf children what is possible in their future-- that the sky is the limit. I attended the Maryland School for the Deaf from K-12, which adopted the ASL-English bilingual philosophy and had plenty of Deaf faculty and staff who contributed to my development. The impact it had on me academically, socially, and in my life thus far has been profound. I eventually earned a degree from Georgetown University, where I used ASL interpreters to participate in my classes. I have had an amazing journey through life, leading me to my current position as a Visiting Lecturer at Brown University. Despite what people may believe, American Sign Language does not detract or limit a Deaf person's language and communication; it adds a rich, vibrant language which creates a world of possibilities. Whether a Deaf person can hear or speak should not be a factor in how they use the abilities they already have.

[@88osujb]

Your speech is actually really good.. you have a pretty voice too!

[@vibha1158]

so beautiful and inspiring

[@zaydoonjawadi]

Amazing speech.

[@kgpublicationsinc]

You rock, Rachel‼️ 🙂

[@kristinabaker4433]

👏🏅 would be great to see her signing also 💕

[@sibsbubbles]

Fitting I ran across this tidbit of motivation today. Studying Physics lately has made me feel "I can't" quite a lot lately. But, I'm willing to bet my difficulty with it would be nowhere near as hard as it would be to go to lectures in a silent world and interpreting ideas like that in a completely silent world. Shame on me for saying, "I can't do this."

[@ronszera9749]

the education for disabilities need to be improved so that number given by her regarding the deaf children could be reduced. love her so much.

[@indimateta]

Oh wow 😍 She's amazingly powerful 🤩💥

[@gretilooo]

she is a jewel

[@carlabelisle9399]

Excellent and rewarding!

[@RaghvendraUpadhyay-zg7yf]

How Wonderful!!!

[@andykbh]

Thank you for this.

[@chickenskunk]

That was such an amazing Ted talk. One of the best. Thank you.

[@jessicadenisseg]

So inspiring!

[@alisonsattler6396]

I wish you would have signed while speaking, so those of us born hearing and going deaf could appreciate BOTH forms of communication: ASL and speaking!

[@Sep2011100]

I understand your emotional feelings. I appreciate you & Rachel for the efforts to overcome the obstacle. Believe me, I even born to congenital deafness and wears digital hearing aids both the ears. With immeasurable strengths and support that I received from my parents and siblings, I excelled in academics right from schooling. I have a Bachelor of Techn. and currently exploring further in Masters. I agree it was no easy task and always try to keep moving forward. All The Best to everyone!