The Power of Story

By Dan Roche, Illinois H&V

This past June, I attended the Vision and Hearing Conference at Illinois State University, which was organized by Andrea Marwah (Illinois H&V President) in conjunction with Tracy Meehan of Illinois State University.

The major Thursday workshop, entitled What it Means to Hold Space: Applications for EHDI Providers, was presented by Leigh Hardin and Elizabeth Seeliger, and was excellent. If you ever get a chance to attend this workshop in the future, I highly recommend it.

That said, Andrea participated in the workshop by being the parent, sharing her story of raising her deaf daughter. It was a ‘fishbowl’ setting, as we were instructed to observe how holding space (being fully present to a person as they share their experience) could and should occur. As a result, there was a room full of people (I’m guessing 100 or more) watching VERY intently as Andrea shared her story, being gently guided when needed and responded to by Leigh and Elizabeth.

It was an honor to be a part of this. Andrea told her story honestly, and objectively. Of all the Vision and Hearing Conferences I have attended at Illinois State, this presentation, specifically, the section with Andrea, was the most closely watched and attended to. I am so used to seeing Andrea in ‘professional’ mode, whether it be organizing people or running meetings, it took a recalibration on my part to see her in a much more vulnerable role, and in my mind, a much more powerful role: simply that of being a mother telling her story of raising her daughter, who happens to be deaf.

Several things came to my mind as I reflected on this experience.

Number one, as parents, professionals, and family members of the Deaf Community, our stories, told honestly and objectively as possible, are INCREDIBLY powerful in and of themselves. I think Hands & Voices does a great job of being sure that when we interact with others, we do so without bias. However, I hope we always remember that sharing our experiences, our blessings, and our hope with the families (and professionals!!) that you encounter, is a gift that is meant to be shared.

Next, as an adult child of Deaf adults (a CODA) being raised in a culturally Deaf home, I am a real fan of honest, heartfelt stories, and Andrea’s did not disappoint.

The quote, ‘It is extraordinary how extraordinary the ordinary person is’ (I believe by George Will) came to mind. I am so grateful I was able to hear/experience Andrea’s story.

I also want to give a shout out to Tracy Meehan, and the countless dedicated professionals and allies of the parents of D/hh children, and the Deaf Community. I am so grateful, too, when I see Tracy and others acting on the belief that the families of deaf and hard of hearing children are best served when we collaborate–whether our personal beliefs align more with Hands, or Voices, we do our best work for families of D/hh children when we collaborate in good faith. For 20 years or so, I have had the privilege of watching Tracy, and others do the extremely IMPORTANT work of ensuring professionals of all stripes get in the same room to communicate and collaborate. In my opinion, the families and professionals of deaf and hard of hearing children have benefitted greatly from Tracy’s and others’ tremendous contribution to the field in this area. For this, I am extremely grateful.  ~

Editor’s note: Roche is a Board member with the Illinois Chapter.