Toni Aiken interprets being raised by deaf parents to becoming an interpreter for deaf community!!

Toni Aiken was born to both deaf parents and struggled in traditional learning environments. Facing many hurdles in trying to find her way in life, she became Jamaica's most recognised sign language interpreter. Having received a national award for her work with the deaf community, Toni shares her own journey, as well as gives insight on how we can create cultural changes to enhance inclusivity amongst the hearing impaired and disabled communities. Here is how Toni found Beauty In The Ashes!
Connect with Yendi: / yendizzle
Connect with Toni: / toniterp

[@jamericanview8456]

Toni deserved that national award and more. She pretty much pioneered professional sign language interpretation in Jamaica. Continued blessings to her in her endeavors.

[@keriduuh]

AGREEEEE

[@keriduuh]

Yendi I especially love how you stayed professional and stick to Toni and her purpose...she said mentioned her sexuality and you stayed on course like you would for someone else who chose the "straight way"...you didnt for a second ask her anything about her person life instead you highlighted her good works and acheivemnts...God bless you Yendi

[@lammie_theone9173]

So true.... I thought the same thing

[@BashyDaisy]

I had similar sentiments around Yendi’s professionalism around this topic, but a part of me wanted to hear more although I realize it’s ultimately Toni’s decision to discuss her sexuality or not. I hoped for further discussion around the discrimination she faced based on her “lifestyle” as it shows how the course of her life changed, in a good way in Toni’s case. It would have tied into the theme of challenges those with disabilities face, not saying that being gay is a disability, but it’s yet another way that Jamaicans often discount people. To me, Toni is a beacon of hope equally for the deaf and the gay community. I remember seeing her for the 1st time signing for the Prime Minister and thinking look how far Jamaica has come, a gay sign language interpreter, she made me proud!

[@yaniqueboyd6184]

I was thinking the same . Well done Yendi. Keep up the good workToni .

[@samanthawilliams6658]

Odyssey is destined for greatness. Yendi's choice of guests is so remarkable. They all have so much to share, messages/words to live by and there is no limit to what is discussed. They are given a space to be open and comfortable and so we get a chance to see a different side to all of them that is not always known. Girl...i'll be thanking you every week. I don't know if this happens to others, but interestingly, each guest leaves a message with me each week, that i needed to hear ...whether to start the new week or assurance, having had certain experiences the week before.

[@K_Inspirations]

Totally agree 💯

[@dapoet1041]

Truth

[@shelletagordon1644]

On point girllll!!

[@carolperry2285]

agree my dear.

[@lapinkfox4615]

So happy to say I registered with the Jamaica Association for the Deaf and had my first JSL level 1 class yesterday 😊😀😁

[@k.t.1184]

Signing "milk" @ 9 mths and throwing the bottle to hit ur mom & beibg aware that ur oarents are deaf... Wow!!! It's amazing how much Intelligence & and survival instinct babies are born with❤❤

[@doreensmith8810]

I have been admiring her sign language gift for years. Awesome job Toni.

[@Sup_ERS_Tar]

This is a powerful interview. It was much needed and enlightening. Thank you.

[@barbarastephens6448]

I temember her mom and dad from Lister Mair. I also remember when her mom was pregnant with her. So proud of your achievements.

[@kmc4735]

I agree! Any change required must start with the children!

[@petarenesenior]

I met Toni as a child as I know her parents quite well. I am really proud of her growth and this interview was very well done. Well done Yendi Well done Toni.

[@lorraineroyes8090]

Her aunt stop paying her tuition might just be a blessing in disguise. Look at her now, creating history making an entire deaf community be inclusive where our television news is concerned. This was another great interview by Yendi.

[@Hfh415]

She is such a great Ambassador for the deaf communities and the disabled community in Ja. Big up Toni👍 Thank you for all of us.

[@dallasfarms1907]

Your so right ❤❤❤❤

[@myrtecampbell7083]

Toni is an inspiration to Jamaica, she is one of those Jamaicans who is moving the country forward. Thank you.

[@NYKIRA]

Yes!

[@keyanewen9736]

Beautiful. I would agree that basic sign language should be taught in schools. Toni is a beautiful soul, love her story. Great guest Yendi, well done.

[@teekay5286]

Toni is a treasure..PERIOD! Making history in so many ways. Blessings Toni!

[@ourieldussard]

This was a Breath of fresh air Type of interview I've never seen anyone interview her before But once we are watching When the Prime Minister is given a speech A lot of time you see her in that little Box Good job yendy that's thinking out of the Box

[@lanicelowver1]

I think I saw her on Smile Jamaica few years ago.

[@bever-leighwisdom5157]

She’s a national treasure. Big love Toni

[@benyaw8769]

Another masterpiece of an interview. This is quite an adventurous journey

[@od9912]

Toni you are humanitarian and are very much appreciated. I’d say you’ve found one of your many your purposes! Way to go Yendi, loved the interview!!!!!

[@Stylingirl13]

Absolutely uplifting and inspiring. This just warms my heart. The Deaf and Disabled Community really needs more recognition.

[@aviaaiken-brown9774]

TONI IS A NATIONAL TREASURE! SHE MUST BE PROTECTED AND CELEBRATED! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE MAAM!🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@keriduuh]

This is deep I have to comment twice....I felt emotional when Toni said, the deaf person goes to the supermarket who is there to help, a deaf person going to the hospital who is there to help? I Cant imagine how the deaf must feel excluded or saddened how bascially nothing is in place to faciliate them when they are not the cause of their disability....thank you Toni for all you do

[@nickolawatson1115]

I really admire this young lady and I'm so proud of her achievements. I love what you do Toni.

[@cchristie9246]

Jamaica definitely need someone like Toni Aiken! So proud of what she's doing! Yendi I love your platform!

[@nickellbailey942]

Mi bawl right through dis, what an awesome interview. Toni is such a light. What a wonderful contribution to society. Big up the deaf community everytime. Big up her three parents.

[@rheannaperrin6302]

Thank you so much Toni for your contribution, you are one of Jamaica’s national treasure! You have help to bridge the gaps for people with disability. I hope jamaica can get to a place where there is ample access for people living with a disability.

[@vanxssa9188]

For the longest while I actually thought she was verbally and Hearing impaired ,but she made me teary, we appreciate you Toni best in the game,we need more interpreters for tru things like these needs to be in the schools curriculum and not all the other wrong things, my aunty is impaired also and back in the days I wish signing her language was 1 thing she had gotten a chance it but ppl were backwards then it's always amazing to see them in the streets communicating with each other its mind blowing your like what they saying

[@yvonnewilliams4352]

I really admire her job on the TV every night it's great to see her on your platform yendi

[@carronetking7062]

I get a little teary from time to time, but I smile all through this interview. Thank you again Yendi for this enlightenment. Toni deserve the award.

[@kadykkconnell]

Such a beautiful person. I admire her , she does an excellent job and her expression is priceless.

[@jenisarchibald4198]

This is such a wonderful interview. I cried from the moment she said she repeated 5th form. I did too and it's humbling as a teacher while some of my students see me as a failure most of them feel that I can empathize with them. Boii this had me crying a lot. Your journey was divinely guided being a pilot was an excellent dream that still can be pursued but the world needed an interpreter more than a pilot in your time. Miss Yendi, you did again!

[@keithaogilvie99]

I have always admired this young lady. Really proud of her.

[@MA-yh2ko]

Who knew u could sign in patwa? Love this! Big up uself Toni!🙌🏾🇯🇲💪🏿

[@paulachambers5822]

This is amazing Yendi, bless you. My heart is touched. That young woman has touched so many ,because we have a while lot of individuals in Jamaica who are hearing impaired. Thanks Yendi, keep doing an awesome job 👏.

[@rahiemdidthat5996]

I have been watching Odessey with Yendi since forever ,and I must say this is literally one of my favorite interview, very touching and massively impactful ,Toni you are powerful, this was mind blowing .

[@annmariepatterson7037]

Excellent interview Toni. I do agree that you are one of the best sign language interpreters in the world. Your expressions on the screen are priceless. I spend more time watching you sign instead of paying attention to what is being said. Great job. Looking forward to your certification courses.

[@dorrettbrown6102]

Hey Yendi, your choice of guest continues to WOW me each week. Jamaica people nice bad enuh. Toni has been blessed with these wonderful attributes of, caring, loving ,warm, down to earth and I could go on. It's easy to listen to her articulation for hours and for been so young she has...'A WORD', as you would say Yendi. Another thing I found is, she is so relaxed and comfortable in her skin. It's like you either like me as I am or you don't. Am saying, Toni, gwaan do yu ting and live out yu purpose. This is what God wanted for you and He connected the dots in the universe for you so it could happen. MAKE HAPPEN. TOUCH LIVES.

[@andreasimpson7240]

I have watched and admired this young lady from a distance ...she has not only helped the deaf community but the country at large...Her exemplary work has now attracted the world may she continue to inspire and open doors.

[@danibry]

Toni is such an inspiration. Very deserving of the award and all the praise. Toni's service to the deaf community has been beneficial to Jamaica as a society. So genuine and true! Loved this episode

[@k.t.1184]

Wow! Powerful and deep interview. Regardless of the circumstances why u had to return to Jamaica, it was all part of your Destiny. God had work for you in Jamaica that only YOU could do.

[@tamaramorrison6646]

Toni, you are an amazing person. I really admire your humility and how down to earth you are. Please to keep up the outstanding work that you are doing for the Jamaican community.

[@kashayawilliams5276]

Love this…great interview. Thanks Toni for her contribution to the community and Jamaica on a whole…..She’s awesome !

[@sonialevy8656]

Watched through teary eyes. So proud of Toni’s accomplishments. I’ve watched Toni grow from a pre-teen to the remarkable productive professional she is today. Congratulations Toni. Continue to light the world. Love you 💝

[@andreamiller135]

I love her!!!!! Oh my God I ❤️ her!!!!!!!! I first saw her on Meet the Mitchells.

[@dainiellecoco720]

This is powerful. Loved this interview. It was needed. It was enlightening. Thank you

[@carolmcmc4079]

AWESOME feed! Thanks Yendi and Toni for being the Jewels in Jamaica's crown Perhap using the media platform to offer online classes for persons overseas wanting to learn and support Jamaica's deaf community.

[@yvonnewilliams4352]

Tony you' were so emotional at the interview it 'tells me you do your job from your heart Jamaican love you ,we need more Tony for Jamaica further ...

[@yvonnewilliams4352]

I so happy you got a chance to interview her i alway see her on TV with no voice only action so I always imagine what's her life was..

[@dewdneygold]

Started watching Toni during covid 2020 OPM media conferences. She was such a pleasure to watch although I don't understand sign language. She signs more than words. She conveys emotions and attitudes; very captivating Signer. God bless you and keep going. Wishing you every success in your upcoming institution and chicken farm.

[@SeenAndHeardTamiAndTessanne]

Amazing Toni. Your story is so inspiring and I am always so grateful for your willingness to help us all understand more about the deaf community. 🙏🤟

[@Tiadom1]

Congratulations Toni....this conversation should have been longer

[@monickporter262]

Toni your energy to educate and bring awareness to the hearing impaired community is so refreshing. Awesome interview Yendi. Move forward with your initiative to educate our diaspora and love you chicken farm 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@kitty2sweet2b4gotten]

Yendi yuh have mi hooked, no lie!!! Loveee this show, has me laughing, crying and most empowered. Toni, thank you for sharing your story! Looking forward to your growth and continue touching the hearing and non hearing community. 🤗💕

[@TheDelaveaus]

This was absolutely beautiful, all the best toni all i wanted was it to be longer i could listen to you all day.

[@marjoriehanson1818]

Thank again Yendi for this wonderful powerful interview, and for knowing that there is different sign language in each country really nice to know.

[@lornaescoffery5370]

So inspirational!! Keep up the great work that you are doing.....your contribution to the deaf community and the world at large is immeasurable. Love and light Toni💜

[@ReneeGiselleTV]

It does make me feel proud to see my Peter and Paul classmate making such impact in the world and TO the world. Toni was always outspoken and had a big personality. All the blessings on your life Toni.

[@allisonblenman8865]

Ms Toni, I met you on MTMFamily vlog and I must say you are a wonderful advocate for for the deaf community and it no wonder why that is. Blessings to you. Congrats on the award. Great job Yens!

[@judithmarson2374]

Watching it now - Toni A is an amazing and strong woman. Great story - Blessings!!

[@K_Inspirations]

Thank you Toni! This was remarkable and oh so necessary 🙌🏽 Yendi, you did it again! Awesome interview ❤️

[@jacquelinemason3846]

Another banger Yendi! I am in awe of your guest used to like seeing her on tvj news time. My big sister recently lost her hearing and I had to stand in her defense on several occasion while I was home visiting and we would go to the supermarket or other places. Jamaica and Jamaicans really need to be sensitized about the hearing disabled community and people with disabilities in general.

[@keriduuh]

Wow what a beautiful selection. So so nice of you Yendi to select her as one of your nuggets. We really needed to hear her story. So much to learn from your interviews

[@kimberleystanbury91]

I'm so happy to see you doing this interview. You are awesome. Happy I was able to meet you. Big up Toni. Continue doing this amazing thing.

[@reckaewhite6251]

I enjoyed every min of this... I love Toni.. I remember her story from profile with Ian but ofc Yendi always brings put another side. Keep up the good work Yendi 🤟

[@donnetlawrence424]

I watch her all the times.. signing is her gift. Yendi featuring this talk is awesome. Toni’s contribution is awesome to Jamaican population, particularly the deaf population. I need the information for the classes

[@KevinTheFoodExplora]

Happy 100K Yendi. I am surprised you have hit 1M already. Great interview. First came across her on Meet The Mitchels. This will help normalized and debunk the misconception around people living with similar disabilities.

[@antanettyboo4390]

Amazing job Toni👍🏽...your purpose,passion & positivity is very commendable and Admirable.keep going 🙏🏽❤️

[@SimplyGrethel]

Priceless! Thanks to the both of you for this beautiful conversation

[@claudettesamuels8785]

What an awesome sit down. Toni is a gem 💎. Thanks for all you do for our deaf community the world by extension.

[@belleofficial8766]

This was very emotional to watch in a positive way. Thank you Toni and Yendi for bringing us such an inspirational video to the fore front.

[@melsmedia]

I’m so happy that I watched this. Toni, you taught us so much especially on reminding us to look at everyone as though different, we are all great. Blessings🤗

[@millzdinz4772]

Fascinating interview! Toni spoke with her hands throughout 😊 Watching from the UK 🇬🇧

[@lisa6982]

Toni Aiken your purpose in life is "AWESOME"!! This interview was truly inspirational & very informative. Thank you.

[@gillianlee9541]

Absolutely loved this interview! So proud of you Toni!!!

[@newdaywondersjoya6994]

Wow..proud of my heritage and community. Being a Jamaican. In Canada. I love your interview and intervention. Being a Social worker. I see you. I feel you. You are so awesome, thank you so much for doing this interview ❤️. The future is definately going to be integrated. Thank you for featuring this..

[@tiraetara]

Toniiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!! Super proud of you! Hands to speak and my eyes to listen ❤

[@angelnelson-watson3050]

Girl you are a gift to our country blessings

[@garybrown4889]

Another great interview Yendi👊🏾 Toni you rock! Thanks for all you do and for sharing your story.

[@steph_steph876]

Toni...creating history for sure and paving the way for many behind her. This is certainly inspiring.❤❤

[@traceyweste4253]

Yendi you Rock!!! Congratulations on your award Toni. Well deserved!!!

[@djzonaa205]

Best interview / guest !!!!!!!! Love how authentic Toni is!

[@julietbrown3454]

This is so so awesome and inspiring on so many levels.

[@mitziehinds5557]

This girl is awesome, she's very good at what she does, I admire how she does her sign language and the deaf community must be very appreciative. Continue what you do. You are a blessing.

[@TSC.80]

Lovely interview! It was not only motivational, but educational as well, because i learnt a few things throughout. Congrats on getting that well deserved award! It shows that u are doing what u do from your heart. Hoping that one day Yendz will be awarded for these great i interviews...

[@trulysensitive5620]

Thank you Yendi and Tony.

[@Yakhanna]

Hey Antoinette.... i know her from high school she was always in nurse office chatting it up. Big up yourself girl, what you do is important.

[@marliaw9692]

Yendi. The more I watch this platform is the more I grow to appreciate you and appreciate everyone that you have on. Not so long ago I (maybe others too) would think that they could not be in the same space or could not interact with Yendi because of who you are, but this has changed that. We can watch and see how down-to-earth you are. We can laugh with you, cry with you. So I thank you for having this platform. Congratulations please keep up the good work that you are doing. God's Blessings now and Always 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@kareenthompson-willis6478]

This is so enlightening. God bless her and you Yends

[@TheKingkingg]

Another awesome inspirational story 👏 congratulations Ms Yendi and guest

[@Calliussy]

This was needed. Another great conversation

[@nickeshiadawson4408]

So sweet I like the positivity well done Toni. Keep doing what you're doing Yendi

[@marvajohnsonairey9716]

Happy 100K Yendz. Great interview as usual. A big big win for the deaf community 🤟

[@monicab9108]

What an amazing person she is! Keep doing what you're doing Toni! 👌

[@mellisadavy4195]

I loved this interview. I've always admired her ❤️

[@prettyblessedfavoured7310]

Toni I couldnt not and can not get tired of you signing...to be honest when watching parliament I am not hearing a word they are saying because I'm watching you signing with that vibrancy and energy. I just want to let you know that you are an amazing person bou were not supposed to be a pilot this is what you were supposed to be doing... me just wah tell u big up u self and keep being you,much love and respect...Yends you just keep coming at us with these interviews I love it...Much love and blessings yends @yendi😘😘🥰🥰

[@lenissawoolcock4270]

I cried watching this. Proud!!!

[@valeciataffe1084]

Thank you both for this interview, it was really refreshing.

[@mzstibbz1]

Yendi another great one. Loved Toni!! She's beautiful in and out. Thanks again

[@assanjobe1354]

We can't wait for your weekly shows... You so professional.. Vintage beyond imagination beyond forgery... Greetings from the Gambia

[@fionalewis9717]

This was such an intriguing interview. Such a feel good vibes it gave me 🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@lanardogordon6668]

Yendi this was such a great interview wish it was longer. Keep it going 🥰😍♥️

[@mariarosariamele3850]

Love this interview 🙌 👏 ❤ I admire Tony and her job😍😍your passion and voice truly shines through in your words ❤ blessings 🙌 ❤ ♥