By Kim Shauer
We recently held our Annual General Meeting (AGM), an evening filled with reflection, connection, and inspiration. A standout highlight of the event was the Youth Panel, where five remarkable young people who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) shared their personal experiences, challenges, and advice.
Sharing Their Journeys
The panelists spoke candidly about their lives growing up with a hearing difference. They described their use of various hearing equipment — including hearing aids, cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs), mini-mics and Roger microphones — and how these devices help them navigate their environments. From managing noisy classrooms to advocating for themselves with teachers and friends, each panelist emphasized the importance of communication and self-advocacy.
Engaging in Extracurricular Activities
It was inspiring to learn about the wide range of activities these young individuals are involved in. Some pursue dance, martial arts and sports, while others enjoy music, building model planes, and creating art. They explained how they adapt to ensure accessibility — whether by using American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters for swimming lessons, having coaches use mini-mics, and speaking up when they need instructions repeated. Their adaptability and resilience shone through in every story.
School Experiences and Self-Advocacy
The panelists also shared their school experiences, discussing how they communicate with teachers, classmates, and friends. Some attend their neighbourhood schools in a mainstream environment in hearing classrooms, others are part of BC School for the Deaf, learning from Deaf teachers in an ASL immersive environment, and another balances both by taking classes in different environments. They spoke about various preferences for using educational microphones such as having the teacher’s voice through the mic amplified in one hearing device and leaving the other device available to listen to input from other students. Most took the opportunity to educate their peers about their hearing equipment. It was clear that each young person has developed strong self-advocacy skills — asking for support when needed and confidently explaining how others can best communicate with them.
The Importance of Community
A common thread throughout the discussion was the importance of connecting with other DHH peers. Many of the panelists build friendships through BC Hands & Voices events, at the BC School for the Deaf, and through activities set up by other programs and services like ASL competitions or DHH community beach days. They expressed how comforting it is to be in spaces where communication barriers are minimal and everyone understands their experiences.
Parental and Community Support
The panelists acknowledged the vital role their parents and teachers play in supporting their journeys. From advocating for interpreters at events to learning ASL, their families have worked hard to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to succeed. The young people also recognized the value of community organizations, like BC Hands & Voices, for providing opportunities to meet others and share experiences.
Looking Ahead
The evening ended on a powerful note, with the panelists reflecting on what they want others to know about them. They expressed pride in their identities as Deaf or hard of hearing individuals, reinforcing that their hearing differences do not limit their potential. They can do anything their hearing peers can — sometimes in different ways, but always with determination and creativity.
A heartfelt thank you to our youth panelists for their honesty and bravery in sharing their stories. You inspire us all. Thank you as well to everyone who attended and continues to support our mission of building a strong, inclusive community for deaf and hard of hearing children and their families.
