At the risk of sounding cliche, I don’t believe in bad events or moments. I think that ultimately, we look back and have a good understanding of why events happened and how it changed our course. Challenges make us stronger, more certain of our decisions, and more well-rounded. Those decisions may result in a greater challenge (ahem, the economic crisis), but it allows us to sit back and reassess what we’re doing. Now, you may ask, what does this have to do with “We Cue!”?

I think one of the most beautiful parts about this country is our freedom. Our freedom to choose and have a choice. We have a freedom to fall, make mistakes, and pick ourselves right back up again and keep moving. Isn’t it amazing that we have this freedom? You, as a child, a parent, a professional, or a grandparent, have just as much freedom to help determine the best communication strategy for you, one that works for you, not what works for your neighbor’s best friend’s brother-in-law.

My parents went on this journey without a support group because everything was “so new” back in 1983. But quickly, they found parents who were in the very same position: parents who were unsure of what they’re doing and constantly battling the forces of “you should be doing this, you should be doing that.” The thread that bound them all together was their perseverance, and willingness to stand up for what they believed to be the best practice for them, and their child. I’m speaking to young cuers when I say, stand up for yourself and be heard, speak, and be proud of your abilities as a unique individual. You’ll get a lot of respect that way. Don’t be afraid. Really. It’s the challenges that make us all stronger. The common denominator isn’t that we’re deaf, it’s that we’re willing to believe in ourselves.

Before I sign off, don’t let people make you believe that you can’t do what you want to do. The only person who can look out for you is you and your family.

What moments stick out in your mind, where you feel like you’ve had to stand up for yourself when it seemed hard, as a parent, a teacher, or a child?