www.diverseabilitymagazine.com DIVERSEability Magazine 75
I am working on. As far as music goes, I have a holiday EP that I would like to release this year. I have several albums worth of songs in my head that I need to get out, too. Yes, those songs are imprinted on her brain. She has said that most of what she sang and heard before going deaf is locked and loaded in her head, and so are current and future songs. Harvey writes her own lyrics about all manner of things. Here are some lines from a song called Masterpiece, which is on the Paper Cuts album: When I feel like Im all broken pieces That I wish I could just throw away Look for glue I can put in between them Back in place, back in place Cause my heart is way up on the ceiling And my mind took a boat, sailed away But I still got my angels and demons Used up string, can of paint And more from Bought Myself Roses, on the same album: I've been flying on a feeling Breaking through the ceiling This could become Heaven, I could let myself in Look in all directions its already done According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 37 million Americans are deaf or hard of hearing. Millions of others live with hearing disorders such as tinnitus. There have been extraordinary medical and technical advances that are helping those with hearing issues. That includes about 800,000 cochlear implants worldwide and 60,000 in the U.S. However, the statistics are dubious barometers because of evolving criteria for who qualifies as deaf or hard of hearing. There are thousands, maybe millions, who want to become allies to the deaf and hard of hearing community, which, of course, is good news. The tough news is that many, if not most, are hesitant for a number of reasons. Harvey has a keep-it-simple tip that can serve as a takeaway for those serious about doing their part. Every persons journey is different. You can never assume you know best how to help someone. The only way to know how best to be an advocate is to start a conversation with that individual. As people, we need to understand that we judge quickly, and that is something we have the power to change.
CREDIT: NO BARRIERS USA PHOTO CREDIT: HARPER POINT PHOTOGRAPHY
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