BY ELIZABETH MAYTON M.ED.

A long time ago, during my first few years of teaching Deaf and Hard-Of-Hearing students, I attended a transition/career fair for High School students with disabilities. Some of my High School students and their parents were there. It had several workshops and vendors with loads of useful information about transitioning to college, obtaining accommodations and disability services, self-advocacy, and assistive technology.

I am partially deaf and I found myself advocating for my hearing needs a few times during this fair. One of those times was embarrassing. It resulted in breaking something and making a very loud noise.

I attended a workshop in a small classroom with giant windows. They gave us assigned seats. Unfortunately, my seat was next to the large windows facing a busy road. The outside noises were distracting and made it difficult for me to understand the presenters. I decided to move toward the middle of the room. No one said anything or seemed to mind. It was a little better. However, the door to the classroom was open and the hallway was noisy with people talking and walking on hard floors. I knew it would be a big help to close the door. The presenters were busy talking and helping others. I got up and walked over to the door to close it. I pulled on the door, but it seemed to be stuck on something and I gave it a big yank. “BANG! CRAAAAACK!” 

Alarmed by the loud noise, I let go of the door and it forcefully shut. “SLAM!”

The room went silent. I turned to everyone staring at me. I sheepishly croaked “Sorry!” and went back to my seat, as fast as I could. One of my students and his mother were in this class. I was embarrassed and was not sure what happened. Did I break something? My student looked as if he was trying not to laugh.

The presenters continued and it was as if nothing happened. It was quieter, and I could finally follow what was being said. I could participate without trouble. I learned that I broke the wooden door jamb that was wedged underneath the large door, keeping it open. Wood splinters and chips scattered about by the door; evidence of me violently advocating for myself. I made my point! Advocating for yourself is not always perfect, but trying is necessary.

I was an instructional specialist of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing stu