Growing up deaf I have had many struggles. One example is being the only deaf person in a hearing family. Being at the table with my whole family can be challenging, because although I have a cochlear implant, my speech and hearing are still not like theirs. It is difficult to understand what each person is saying when there are multiple voices trying to be heard at the same time. It can make me feel lonely and like an outsider. But that’s not me anymore. I’ve decided to talk with the person that is sitting next to me or sitting across from me, instead of struggling to be heard. I’ve learned to read lips and hear, and it took me years in therapy. You may think that I’m just a deaf person that isn’t capable of anything, but you’re wrong. My body works exactly as it’s supposed to, I am proud to be deaf and to have overcome countless struggles and obstacles in my life. What makes you stronger every day are the struggles we go through. Sometimes, others may think that I am less capable due to my deafness, but I am very capable, I may just have to work harder at some things.
The purpose of this shirt is to give all people confidence, dignity and convenience. The zipster shirt is accessible for those with motor difficulties to dress independently, as well as small children. I want them to feel like they can dress themselves up instead of needing to call for help. I want them to feel like they can be more than their disability. From disability to ability. Looking good has never been this easy! There’s a story I once learned from Rabbi Elimelech of Lizensk, and I will never forget it. Every time I share this story I start to cry. There was a man who wanted to change the world, and all the townspeople told him he can’t, so he decided to change his city, that didn’t work so he decided to change his family, that didn’t work so he decided to change himself. From this, he realized that change has to come from within.