Hola! My name is Rita. I was born hearing but became deaf when I was two years old. I have two deaf cousins and a deaf great uncle (deceased) in my family. I am proud to be deaf and damn proud of who I am. Deafness does not define me, and I never let anyone make me wish I was any different than I am right now.

Who am I? For one, I am a songwriter, and I started this maybe two or a year ago. Music has been part of my life since I was a child; it nourishes my soul.

Contrary to what the hearing world may think, it isn’t necessary to hear or speak to perform or appreciate music; a song can be expressed through the beauty and passion of American Sign Language.

But music is only one part of who I am. I am also an Empowerment Coach for young teenagers deaf and hard of hearing girls; a business lady with entrepreneurial minded, a yoga and fitness devotee; holistic health living; a traveler with a thirst to learn more about the world’s cultures; an advocate for the deaf community; and above all else and I place God above all other things.

Much of the hearing society views deafness as a disability, and calls people like me “hearing impaired.” They think we can’t function in the hearing world. This is a myth, and something I do my best to disprove every day, letting my actions speak for me. I think this is the best way to change outdated attitudes – to show all the things deaf people can do, not what we can’t do.

Blessings, Rita